Pa. Senate approves bills for economic relief to some nonprofits after skill game ban

Harrisburg, Pa. — After the statewide skill game crackdown, two bills aimed to give veterans’ organizations, volunteer fire companies, civic clubs, and other nonprofits more flexibility with small games of chance proceeds passed the state Senate unanimously and are now before the House. 

“Our veterans’ organizations, volunteer fire companies and civic clubs play an important role in our communities,” Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40), chairwoman of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, said. “These organizations support veterans, fund youth programs and scholarships, assist emergency services, and provide many other valuable resources. Updating these rules would help them manage rising costs and continue their important work.”

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Senate Bill 995, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard, would increase the weekly aggregate prize limit for small games of chance from $35,000 to $60,000. The current limit has remained unchanged since 2013.

Senate Bill 465, sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin, would allow licensed clubs to use up to 50% of small games of chance proceeds for operating expenses, an increase from the current 40%, while maintaining the requirement that at least half of the proceeds support public interest purposes.

Both bills were unanimously approved by the full Senate on Oct. 5. They are currently before the House’s Gaming Oversight Committee for consideration.