Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1797

Introduced
10/27/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 1797 would likely lead to tighter controls surrounding the gaming industry in the state. By introducing clearer rules on prize limits, the legislation aims to prevent excessive winnings that can undermine the charitable purpose of these events. Furthermore, the enhanced licensing requirements for eligible organizations would ensure that only those entities meeting specific standards can participate, potentially increasing the integrity of fundraising activities associated with games of chance.

Summary

House Bill 1797 addresses regulations related to games of chance, specifically focusing on prize limits and licensing for organizations eligible to conduct such activities. The bill seeks to amend existing laws to clarify the distribution of proceeds from games of chance, including raffles, and to establish new parameters for prize limits. This legislative move aims to enhance oversight and ensure that games conducted for fundraising purposes align with regulatory standards, thereby promoting transparency and accountability among organizations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1797 appears cautiously optimistic, with supporters highlighting the necessity of ensuring fairness and transparency in games of chance. They argue that the benefits of regulating these activities far outweigh the challenges, as it would help maintain the public's trust in charitable organizations. However, there are concerns from opponents who fear that additional regulations could negatively impact smaller organizations or restrict their fundraising capabilities, making it harder for them to operate effectively.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding HB 1797 include the tension between regulation and the operational flexibility of organizations conducting games of chance. Critics argue that while the intent to standardize regulations is noble, it could inadvertently hinder smaller, nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on fundraising events for their operations. The debate centers on finding a balance between enforcing essential regulatory measures and preserving the ability of organizations to conduct successful fundraising efforts without excessive bureaucratic obstacles.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 SB430

In club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

PA SB465

In club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

PA SB698

In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for

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 HB1042

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for limitations on permits and providing for additional dispensary permits and for application and issuance of additional dispensary permits.

PA SB773

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for application and issuance, for limitations on permits and providing for additional dispensary and grower/processor permits authorized, for application and issuance of additional permits and for limitations on other additional permits or licenses; and, in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.