HARRISBURG – Three bills were approved by a PA Senate Committee which provide needed relief to PA’s civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups, and other non-profits that rely on small games of chance. 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 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their proceeds, up from the current 40%. Senate Bill 330 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. The bills move to the full Senate for further consideration.
