Small Games of Chance Reporting Requirement Delay

During the 2011-12 legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation, Act 2 of 2012, which increased prize limits for small games of chance for the first time in 23 years. Under this legislation, prize limits for daily games increase from $500 to $1,000, weekly games from $5,000 to $25,000, and monthly raffles from $5,000 to $10,000.

These changes to the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act will help many of our non-profit organizations raise additional and much-needed revenue. Whether it be veterans’ or fraternal organizations, religious groups, or civic or service associations, the increased prize limits will help keep them afloat as most of the money will be returned to the community which in turn will benefit us all.

In addition to increasing prize limits, this legislation also introduced new reporting requirements for eligible organizations. These reporting requirements were set to commence on Feb. 1. After hearing from many organizations on the difficulty they would have in submitting reports in time, I, along with my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus, requested the Corbett Administration delay implementation of these reporting requirements.

I am pleased to report that the delay has been granted and that small games of chance licensees will have a year to meet the new reporting requirements. This extension will provide the General Assembly the opportunity to make some necessary adjustments to the reporting requirements to the newly changed law. The increase in prize limits will not be affected.

For more information on Small Games of Chance reporting requirements and to view frequently asked questions, please visit https://www.doreservices.state.pa.us/SGOC/Report/Default.aspx. You may also direct questions to the Department at 717-787-8275.

Senator Wayne D. Fontana

42nd Senatorial District

www.senatorfontana.com