Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB450

Introduced
6/9/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

By establishing more rigorous regulatory frameworks for gaming operations, SB450 will likely affect local government regulations and necessitate adjustments among businesses engaged in gaming. The bill aims to create consistency in how gaming activities are managed throughout the state, potentially leading to increased revenue from gaming taxes and improved accountability in how proceeds from games are handled. The standardization could also impact smaller gaming establishments that might struggle to meet the new requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill 450 focuses on the regulation of games of chance and the licensing of gaming operations. It introduces various provisions concerning definitions relevant to gaming, payments, prize limits, sales limitations, licenses for distributors, and manufacturer registration. The bill also outlines the requirements and regulations for club licensees, including the distribution of proceeds and local option aspects. These measures aim to enhance the oversight of gaming operations and ensure that they comply with state laws.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB450 is mixed among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to ensure fair practices in the gaming industry and improve consumer protections. They believe that the enhanced regulation will lead to greater integrity in gaming operations. However, opponents express concerns that increased regulation may place undue burdens on small businesses or local clubs, potentially putting some of them at risk of closure due to compliance costs.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the balance of state versus local control in gaming regulations. Critics of SB450 argue that the bill may undermine local autonomy by imposing state-level regulations that do not consider unique local circumstances. Additionally, debates have arisen over the fairness concerning prize limits and the impact of new licensing requirements on existing businesses. These discussions highlight broader tensions in legislative approaches to gaming and local governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HB2442

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in vehicles, further providing for application for license.

PA HB970

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for standardized forms and for applications; and, in voter registration, further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and providing for government service facilitation.

PA HB1846

In enforcement, further providing for revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

Similar Bills

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.

VA SB6007

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

VA SB1323

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

VA SB1322

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

VA SB6004

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

VA HB1357

Tobacco products; taxes, penalties.

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.