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Bill

Bill

SB 398

An Act amending the act of December 19, 1988 (P.L.1262, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, in games of chance, providing for online raffles by fire companies.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Brooks and 5 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania legislation authorizes fire companies to conduct online raffles for fundraising, expanding existing games of chance permissions to digital platforms with Gaming Oversight regulation.

Referred to Gaming Oversight
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 398

Legislative bill overview

SB 398 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to permit fire companies to conduct online raffles, expanding beyond traditional in-person fundraising methods. The bill authorizes digital raffle operations while maintaining the existing regulatory framework under the Gaming Oversight committee.

Why is this important

Fire companies rely heavily on fundraising to support operations and equipment purchases. Allowing online raffles could significantly expand their fundraising reach beyond geographic limitations, potentially increasing revenue for fire departments across Pennsylvania. However, this also introduces new compliance and oversight challenges in the digital gambling space.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer protection and fraud prevention: Online raffles present greater risks for fraud, underage participation, and problem gambling compared to in-person events; oversight mechanisms must be clearly defined
  • Regulatory capacity and licensing: The bill's success depends on adequate state resources to monitor and enforce online raffle operations, with unclear cost allocation between state agencies and fire companies
  • Market expansion concerns: Expanding legal gambling opportunities, even for charitable purposes, may cannibalize other fundraising methods and raise questions about societal impact of normalized online gambling

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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