Bill > SB398

This bill proposes several changes to Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, which governs how non-profits, veterans' groups, and fire companies can raise money through regulated gambling activities like raffles. First, the legislation raises the maximum amount of money—known as the aggregate prize limit—that a licensed organization can award in prizes over a seven-day period from $35,000 to $60,000. Second, to help volunteer fire companies raise funds, the bill temporarily authorizes them to conduct online raffles over the Internet through a pilot program expiring on December 31, 2027; under this provision, participants must use a debit or credit card to buy tickets, and fire companies must use specific verification technology to ensure that buyers are at least 18 years old and physically located within Pennsylvania at the time of purchase. Finally, the bill alters the distribution requirements for "club licensees," which are typically social clubs run by veterans' or fraternal organizations, reducing the minimum amount of game proceeds they must spend on public interest or charitable purposes within a year from 60% down to 50%, while correspondingly increasing the maximum share of proceeds the club is allowed to retain for its own operational use from 40% to 50%.