Masser supports updating Small Games of Chance Law

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) voted Wednesday in favor of amending the current Small Games of Chance Law to allow nonprofit associations to raise revenue.

House Bill 169 will update the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act and allow groups to increase limits for prize payouts.

Masser said the changes will benefit organizations and their communities.

"The update to the Small Games of Chance Law is a necessary change that the House and Senate finally came to an agreement on," said Masser.

This is the first time in more than 20 years that the Small Games of Chance Law has been updated in Pennsylvania.

Under House Bill 169, the limits for prize payouts will increase from $500 to $1,000 for daily drawings, from $5,000 to $25,000 for weekly drawings and from $5,000 to $10,000 for raffles every month. Additionally, 70 percent of money raised by the organizations will be distributed for public interest purposes, and 30 percent will be used by the organizations to sustain their operating expenses.

House Bill 169 passed the House on Wednesday with a vote of 178-10, and has been sent to Gov. Tom Corbett for his signature.