Conklin votes to modernize small games of chance laws

HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin said today he voted in favor of a bill to modernize the state's small games of chance laws.

Conklin said the legislation (H.B. 169) would allow certain nonprofit associations and charitable organizations to raise revenues by increasing prize limits to support some of their own operating expenses.

"Small games of chances licenses are used with the intent to raise funds to help out the local community, however, it's the organizations themselves who need help too to keep their own doors open," Conklin said. "This move will help ease the financial burden VFWs and volunteer fire and ambulance companies all too often face.

"This effort has been years in the making, almost 25 to be exact, and I'm proud to see it nearing fruition."

Conklin said daily drawing prize payouts would increase from $500 to $1000, weekly drawings would increase from $5,000 to $25,000 and the monthly raffle prize limit would increase $5,000 to $10,000.

The measure is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Pennsylvania Federation of Fraternal and Social Organizations, and the Pennsylvania Association of Nationally Chartered Organizations.

Conklin added House Bill 169 passed the House 178-10 today and that the inclusion of enhanced reporting requirements and stronger enforcement procedures, resulted in a compromise with the Senate.