HARRISBURG — A package of bills providing much-needed relief to Pennsylvanian’s civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other nonprofits that rely on small games of chance were approved by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee today, according to Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40), who chairs the committee.
Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of community programs these organizations fund.
Senate Bill 995 sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48), would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services.
“Our volunteer fire companies, veterans’ organizations and other civic groups provide tremendous service to our communities, and small games of chance are an important source of funding that helps sustain their work,” said Brown. “Senate Bill 995 recognizes that we must modernize the law and provide these organizations with greater flexibility to continue to support the people they serve. I appreciate Sen. Gebhard’s work on this important issue.”
“Organizations like our VFWs, American Legions and fire companies depend on small games of chance to fund youth sports, scholarships, emergency services and support for veterans,” Gebhard said. “The outdated cap is forcing many of them to shut down games once they hit the limit — cutting off a major source of funding. My bill modernizes the law and helps these groups continue serving our communities.”
In addition, Senate Bill 465, sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49), would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities.
“Sen. Gebhard’s bill and mine address different parts of the same challenge: helping local clubs sustain the activities that allow them to give back,” Laughlin said. “These organizations are part of the fabric of our communities, and our laws should give them a practical path to keep serving their neighbors.”
Senate Bill 330, sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50), would amend the Sports Raffles Charities Act to require major league and collegiate sports teams who conduct 50/50 drawings at sporting events to devote 5% of the philanthropic raffle revenue to local fire departments.
“I’m grateful for all that our emergency responders do to protect our families and communities. Faced with dwindling ranks, and rising costs for trucks and equipment, our local firefighters have increasingly been met with steep challenges.” Brooks said. “It is my hope that these measures will strengthen funding opportunities for our local fire departments and emergency service providers. We need to continue supporting these dedicated departments by increasing their ability to raise the revenue required to help fund the public safety services they provide across the state.”
The bills now head to the full Senate for further consideration.
BROWN CONTACT: Mackenzie Mueller
GEBHARD CONTACT: Alex Gamble
LAUGHLIN CONTACT: Chris Carroll
BROOKS CONTACT: Fallon Binner