Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1263

Introduced
6/20/24  

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses, for local option and for advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

Impact

The revisions are expected to have a significant impact on how eligible organizations can operate games of chance, particularly tavern games. By allowing for higher prize limits and introducing electronic versions of traditional games, the bill aims to drive increased fundraising capabilities while ensuring that proceeds are more beneficial to public interest purposes. The new regulations will mandate greater accountability and reporting from distributors and organizers, potentially enhancing oversight and compliance within the sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 1263 aims to amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to modernize regulations surrounding the conduct of games of chance in Pennsylvania. Key modifications include updating prize limits for various games, including removing the $2,000 cap on individual game prizes and setting a limit on raffle prizes of up to $15,000 per month. This change seeks to enhance participation and financial support for eligible organizations that run these games, benefiting local charities and community services.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB1263 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the changes will encourage greater community engagement and financial support for local organizations that often rely on these games for funding. Conversely, some stakeholders express concern over the potential for increased gambling behaviors and the necessity for stringent regulations to manage this growth effectively. Legislators are taking into account the balance between fostering local fundraising opportunities and preventing gambling-related issues.

Contention

Notably, there is contention regarding the electronic pull-tab provisions that accompany the changes. Some legislators raise concerns about the potential for these electronic devices to blur the lines of traditional gambling regulations, prompting fears of increased gambling addiction or misuse. Additionally, discussions around local control suggest that while communities may benefit from broader gaming options, the local sentiments on gambling can vary significantly, leading to calls for localized referendums on the implementation of these gaming permits.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB450

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, providing for payment and further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and for local option and repealing provisions relating to advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

PA HB1050

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits and for sales limited, providing for pull-tab deals, further providing for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers, for regulations of department and for licensing of eligible organizations; in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds; and, in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and providing for other penalties.

PA HB2444

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits and for sales limited, providing for pull-tab deals, further providing for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers, for regulations of department and for licensing of eligible organizations; in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds; and, in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and providing for other penalties and for licensed eligible organizations subject to audit by Auditor General.

PA HB1797

In games of chance, further providing for prize limits, providing for raffle prize limits and further providing for licensing of eligible organizations and for special permits; and, in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

PA SB465

In club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

PA SB430

In club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA HB1771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for automatic voter registration and for time and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and making a repeal.

PA SB210

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure, further providing for written requests; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.

PA SB350

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure, further providing for written requests; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.

Similar Bills

PA SB450

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, providing for payment and further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and for local option and repealing provisions relating to advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

VA SB6007

Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act; established, penalties, report.

VA SB1323

Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act; established, penalties, report.

VA HB1357

Tobacco products; taxes, penalties.

VA SB1322

Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act; established, penalties distribution of funds, report.

VA SB6004

Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act; established, penalties, report.

VA HB2747

Electronic gaming devices; regulating definitions, licensees, taxation, placement and compliance.

VA HB1417

Cigars; modifies the statutory tax rate imposed on selling or distributing, etc.