Committee OKs Small Games of Chance Prize Increase

Panel also approves changes to PA Bingo Law

The Senate Finance Committee today (June 20) approved a bill increasing prize limits for small games of chance and another bill that would make several changes to Pennsylvania's Bingo Law, according to Committee Chairman Pat Browne, R-16th District.

Senate Bill 845, sponsored by Senator Browne, would amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act by raising the prize limit for any one game from $500 to $1,000. The legislation would also replace the $5,000 weekly prize limit with a $20,000 weekly cash value prize limit. Payouts of less than $26 would not count toward the weekly prize limit.

The legislation also includes a new provision that allows for progressive games to be conducted with a maximum cash value of $5,000. Progressive games are those where a winning ticket awards the ticket holder with an additional chance at another game.

"Many charitable and non-profit organizations, such as volunteer fire companies and community groups, use small games of chance as fund raising tools," said Senator Browne. "We have not increased the maximum payouts in some time and we have not permitted progressive games. The changes in my legislation are intended to help groups raise funds that support the organization's mission and are used for the benefit of the community."

The Finance Committee also approved Senate Bill 978, sponsored by Senator Mike Folmer, R-48, which would make several changes to Pennsylvania's Bingo Law.

The legislation changes the licensing of bingo associations. Instead of annual licenses, the licenses would be issued on a biennial basis. The license fees would be as follows:

Nonprofit Association – $300 biennially (from $100 per annum)
Senior Citizens' Group – $150 biennially (from $50 per annum)
Agricultural Association/County Fair – $300 biennially (from $100 per annum)

SB 978 provides that no more than $8,000 (currently $4,000) can be awarded in any one day and would allow more than one licensed association to lease the same premises for the conducting of bingo. This authorizes multiple associations to lease the same premises for conducting bingo; however, each association shall have its own license.

Contact:

Stacey Connors
(717) 787-1349