HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) to help Pennsylvania fire departments, VFWs and American Legions generate more revenue to keep serving their communities was passed by the General Assembly and now heads to the governor’s desk.
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 Gebhard, was included in Senate Bill 398 to increase the aggregate prize limit for small games of chance conducted by a licensed eligible organization in any seven-day period from $35,000 to $60,000.
“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 “The outdated cap is forcing many of them to shut down games once they hit the limit — cutting off a major source of funding. I was grateful to see my language amended into Sen. Brooks’ bill to modernize the law and help these groups continue serving our communities.”
Senate Bill 398, originally sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50), would also give fire departments holding a Small Games of Chance license the ability to conduct unlimited raffles online as they currently are allowed to do in-person for items such as side-by-sides, sportsmen equipment, grills and gift cards. The legislation aims to help these organizations facing financial and staffing challenges access additional fundraising opportunities to sustain the services our families and communities depend on.
Additionally, Senate Bill 398 includes legislation sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) to allow licensees to increase the amount they can retain to pay for their operating expenses.
The bill now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.