Since the Pennsylvania General Assembly updated the state’s small games of chance law during the last legislative session, there have been many questions surrounding the new updates and the impact of those updates on nonprofit organizations and charities in Pennsylvania.

The Small Games of Chance Act, which allows qualified organizations to offer gambling through raffles, punchboards and some other games, had not been updated in more than 20 years and was in need of a modernization.

The legislature’s intent with the legislative updates was to increase prize limits to help volunteer fire and rescue companies, veterans groups, booster clubs and others raise money for the projects that benefit local communities. The intent was also to maintain accountability and control measures that ensure consumer protection.