FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Peter J. Daley D-Fayette/Washington www.pahouse.com/daley

Daley details changes to small games of chance law

HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – State Rep. Peter J. Daley II, D-Fayette/Washington, noted that updates to Pennsylvania’s Local Option Small Games of Chance Act would take effect March 3, giving local fire companies, clubs and eligible nonprofit organizations new opportunities to raise money to continue their important work.

“For many of our local fire companies and community service organizations, raffles and other games of chance are a big part of their fundraising efforts,” Daley said. “The money that is raised supports the organization and allows them not only to keep their doors open, but to give back to their community through various programs and emergency services.

“By updating the nearly 25-year-old law, we realistically address prize limits and set more current raffle limits, as well as addressing reporting and recordkeeping requirements that ensure better oversight.”

The legislation, H.B. 169 was signed into law Feb. 2.^. Under the law, prize limits are increased as follows:

· Individual prize limit, for a single chance, increased from $500 to $1,000;

· Weekly prize limit for a seven-day period, increased from $5,000 to $25,000;

· Monthly raffle prize limit, increased from $5,000 to $10,000.

Other changes:

· Raffles can exceed $1,000 single chance limit if conducted under a special permit;

· Eligible organizations can receive up to eight special raffle permits per year;

· Volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue organizations can obtain up to 10 special permits per year;

· Total cash value of all prizes under a special permit increases to $100,000 per year;

· Volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue organizations are able to award up to $50,000 from raffles in addition to the $100,000 yearly raffle limit.

On the oversight and reporting side, the following are among the changes:

· Background checks are required for the executive officer and secretary of each eligible organization, as well as for all officers, managers and other responsible people of each manufacturer and distributor of games of chance;

· There are stricter enforcement and reporting requirements for club licensees, but club licensees will be able to use up to 30 percent of the proceeds from games of chance for general operating expenses.;

· Additional reporting and recordkeeping requirements are included to provide better oversight of all eligible organizations that conduct games of chance.

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