Bill aims to aid local clubs by increasing prize limits on small games of chance

State Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) has introduced legislation that would raise the prize limit for small games of chance in Pennsylvania.

According to a statement from Gebhard’s office, Senate Bill 995 would “provide much-needed relief to Pennsylvania’s civic organizations, fire companies, veterans groups and other nonprofits” by increasing the prize limit.

“Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week,” the release explains. “That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of community programs these organizations fund.”

The bill proposes raising the weekly limit to $60,000, arguing the increase would aid local groups by allowing them to generate more revenue “to support vital community services.”

According to the Pennsylvania Senate website, the bill was referred to the Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee on Sept. 12. It would amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, which became law on Dec. 19, 1988.

“Organizations like our VFWs, American Legions and fire companies depend on small games of chance to fund youth sports, scholarships, emergency services and support for veterans,” Gebhard said in the release. “The outdated cap is forcing many of them to shut down games once they hit the limit — cutting off a major source of funding. This bill modernizes the law and helps these groups continue serving our communities.”

Small games of chance revenue support a wide range of community benefits, the release says, from funding lifesaving equipment for first responders to offering scholarships to local students.

“By raising this cap, we’re giving these organizations the flexibility they need to thrive and continue their tradition of service,” the senator said in the statement.

If made into law, the amendment would take effect in 60 days of its signing.

As of Tuesday morning, Sept. 16, the General Assembly website listed six co-sponsors of Gebhard’s bill: senators Scott Hutchinson (R-21), Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Rosemary Brown (R-40), Elder Vogel (R-47), Patrick Stefano (R-32), and Judy Ward (R-30).

“The weekly prize limit has been set at $35,000 since 2013,” Gebhard said in a sponsorship memo. “With the ever-changing gaming landscape in Pennsylvania coupled with increasing inflation, the weekly prize limit needs to be raised to $60,000 for our local club licensees.”