Wisconsin Senate Bill SB54

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Report Pass: 9/6/23
• Engrossed: 10/17/23
• Refer: 10/19/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The amount of allowable cash withdrawal from a bingo account for the purpose of paying cash prizes.

Impact

The proposed legislation will have a direct impact on existing statutes that regulate bingo games in Wisconsin. By raising the withdrawal limit, the bill facilitates a smoother cash-handling process during gaming events. This adjustment not only benefits the game's administration but also aims to encourage greater participation by allowing for more generous cash awards to winners. The bill's implications could lead to increased revenues for organizations that host bingo events, as higher cash prizes may attract more players, thus stimulating further engagement in local gaming activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 54 seeks to amend the current laws regarding allowable cash withdrawals from bingo accounts in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill proposes increasing the maximum amount that can be equally divided among winners of a bingo game from $10 to $25. This change is intended to simplify prize distribution under certain conditions, where multiple winners are declared on the same call during a game. The flexibility introduced by this bill aims to enhance the overall experience for bingo participants, particularly in cases where small winnings can be efficiently distributed in cash without cumbersome checks.

Contention

While there are notable benefits, the bill may also generate discussions regarding its impact on responsible gaming practices. Some critics may voice concerns that increasing cash payouts could lead to potential issues related to gambling addiction, especially if the changes are perceived as enticing more individuals to gamble. Legislative scrutiny will likely focus on ensuring that adequate measures remain in place to promote responsible gambling while still allowing for enjoyable and community-friendly gaming experiences.