Virginia Senate Bill SB566

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Charitable gaming; strengthens enforcement and penalties.

Impact

With SB566, there will be significant changes to how charitable gaming is conducted and monitored. Organizations will be held more accountable for their operations, needing to provide detailed reports of their activities to the Department. Failure to comply with the detailed reporting requirements could result in revocation of permits that allow the organizations to conduct charitable activities through gaming. This will likely lead to improved regulatory compliance and possibly enhance public trust in charitable gaming activities.

Summary

SB566 aims to strengthen the enforcement and regulatory framework surrounding charitable gaming operations in the Commonwealth. This bill emphasizes the need for qualified organizations to maintain thorough records of all charitable gaming sessions and require timely reporting of receipts and disbursements. The proposed changes include increased penalties for non-compliance and greater scrutiny of those seeking to engage in charitable gaming activities. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will oversee the implementation of these regulations, which are designed to ensure transparency and integrity within the gaming sector.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB566 included divergent views on its implications. Supporters argue that the enhanced oversight is necessary to prevent fraud and ensure that the proceeds of charitable gaming are used as intended. However, opponents raised concerns about the potential burden these new regulations might place on small organizations, which may struggle to comply with the more rigorous reporting requirements. Some advocates expressed that such burdens could stifle fundraising efforts that are critical for nonprofit activities, leading to reduced resources for community-based initiatives.