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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Robert F. Matzie |
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Matzie says Small Games of Chance bill will help local organizations
HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – State Rep. Robert F. Matzie, D-Allegheny/Beaver, said the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation he co-sponsored to update the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act.
"This legislation would allow these organizations to continue their charitable contributions and ease some of the financial burden associated with that work," Matzie said. "I hope to see this bill become law soon so that these organizations can benefit from the change they've championed for years."
House Bill 169 would increase limits for prize payouts from $500 to $1,000 for daily drawings, from $5,000 to $25,000 for weekly drawings and from $5,000 to $10,000 for raffles per calendar month.
While most of the proceeds raised by these organizations would be distributed for public interest purposes such as sponsoring youth sports, refurbishing local parks, or giving out grants and scholarships to local students, the bill would allow these organizations to use a small portion of the money raised to help sustain capital projects like fixing a roof or heating system.
In addition to adjusting the prize payouts for small games of chance, the legislation would also set stricter enforcement measures and penalties for organizations that do not comply with the regulations.
House Bill 169 now moves to the Senate, which is expected to pass it. It will then go to the governor's desk to be signed into law.
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