Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB514

Introduced
3/25/25  

Caption

Further providing for rules for licensing and operation.

Impact

The implementation of SB514 is expected to impact the operational landscape of bingo in Pennsylvania significantly. The modernization of ticket sales allows organizations to reach a broader audience, particularly younger players who are more accustomed to digital transactions. Furthermore, it is likely that this bill will provide financial benefits to nonprofits that rely on bingo for revenue, thereby supporting various community programs. This law will also necessitate updates to existing regulatory frameworks to accommodate the online ticket sales appropriately.

Summary

Senate Bill 514 amends the Pennsylvania Bingo Law to allow licensed associations to sell tickets for bingo events online. This proposed change aims to modernize the operation of bingo within the state, accommodating new technologies and shopping behaviors. By incorporating online ticket sales, SB514 seeks not only to enhance convenience for players but also to potentially increase participation in bingo games, which are often key fundraising activities for community organizations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB514 appears to be generally positive, particularly among organizations involved in hosting bingo games. Supporters of the bill, including community stakeholders, market the online sales option as a necessary adaptation to changing habits and technology. However, there could be concerns from individuals wary of expanding online gambling or from groups focused on ensuring that the transition to digital does not compromise the integrity or social value of bingo as a community activity.

Contention

While SB514 is largely supported, some contention may arise regarding the regulations that will follow the approval of online ticket sales. Opponents may raise issues about the potential for increased gambling habits stemming from online access and the necessity for robust safeguards to ensure fair play and responsible gaming. Additionally, there could be discussions about how well the state will enforce any new online regulations and whether adequate measures will be in place to protect consumers and maintain the quality of traditional bingo experiences.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB711

Further providing for rules for licensing and operation.

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 SB1263

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.

PA HB665

Further providing for program operation.

PA SB420

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB286

In licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation.

PA HB565

Further providing for procedure for licensing as professional engineer.

PA HB2354

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB2198

In rules of evidence, further providing for subpoena of records.

PA SB837

In cigarette sales and licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for presumed cost of doing business by retailer.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.