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For Immediate Release
January 24, 2012
Contact: Sally Kohr
(717) 787-4651

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Senate Approves Changes to Small Games of Chance Law 

HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation last week that would increase prize limits allowed under the state's Small Games of Chance law, according to Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33), who supported the measure.

House Bill 169 would increase the individual prize limit from $500 to $1,000; the weekly games of chance prize limit from $5,000 to $25,000; and the monthly prize limit for raffles from $5,000 to $10,000. The bill also allows additional raffles for volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue organizations.

"Many of our local volunteer emergency responders, veterans' organizations and non-profit charities rely on revenue from small games of chance to reduce significant financial burdens that come from serving our communities," Alloway said. "Increasing the prize limits will help these organizations make a bigger impact on the lives of local residents."

The legislation also requires organizations that conduct small games of chance to keep more detailed records to ensure the proceeds benefit local communities. Under current law, proceeds from small games of chance must be used to serve the public interest.

An amended version of House Bill 169 was returned to the House of Representatives for consideration.