Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2444

Introduced
6/24/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2444 would have a significant effect on existing laws related to gaming. It seeks to streamline the licensing process for distributors and manufacturers by clarifying the definitions of various participants within the gaming industry. The amendments proposed in the bill aim to enhance the regulatory framework, ensuring that eligible organizations operate under a clear set of rules. This could lead to improved oversight and accountability in gaming operations across the state which may alter the competitive landscape within this sector.

Summary

House Bill 2444 focuses on defining and regulating aspects of gaming, particularly games of chance, and incorporates provisions related to licensing, enforcement, and the distribution of proceeds from gaming operations. The bill sets forth specific definitions, modifies existing prize limits, and delineates sales limitations while addressing the responsibilities and procedures for distributor licenses and manufacturer registration. Notably, it also outlines the criteria for eligible organizations that can partake in gaming events and mandates compliance audits by the Auditor General.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2444 appears supportive among stakeholders in the gaming industry who view the bill as a positive step towards clarifying operational regulations. Proponents argue that the standardized approach will facilitate better compliance and potentially expand gaming opportunities for eligible organizations. However, there may also be concerns from groups advocating for strict gaming regulations, who worry that the changes could lead to looser controls and potential risks associated with increased access to gaming activities.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding HB 2444 revolve around the balance between facilitating gaming operations and maintaining regulatory oversight. Critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of the proposed enforcement mechanisms and the potential for abuse if licenses are too readily granted. The bill’s impact on local ordinances relating to gaming could also ignite debates regarding the extent of state control over local gaming decisions, with some fearing a preemptive consolidation of regulatory authority that might undermine localized efforts to manage gaming responsibly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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.

PA HB2456

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

PA HB1425

In tobacco products tax, further providing for definitions, for incidence and rate of tax, for licensing of wholesalers and for licensing of retailers and providing for electronic nicotine delivery system directory.

VA HB2747

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

VA HB1357

Tobacco products; taxes, penalties.

VA HB1417

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

VA SB992

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

MA H433

Relative to digital right to repair

MA S189

Relative to digital right to repair

VA SB6007

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