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HB 2491

Relating to conditions on holding online raffles

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scot Heckert and 8 co-sponsors

House Bill 2491 allows West Virginia colleges to conduct online raffles, removing licensing and geo-location barriers, boosting fundraising for education and charities.

Chapter 122, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
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Bill Summary · HB 2491

Summary of House Bill 2491

Bill Number: HB 2491
Title: Relating to conditions on holding online raffles
Status: Chapter 122, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
Introduced: February 3, 2025
Effective Date: July 9, 2025 (90 days from passage)
Subject: Legal Gaming

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2491 aims to facilitate fundraising efforts for institutions of higher education in West Virginia by allowing them to conduct online raffles. The bill recognizes the need for these institutions to raise funds through modern means, specifically via the internet, and establishes a framework for the regulation of such activities.

Key Provisions

The bill amends several sections of the West Virginia Code related to online charitable raffles, including:

  1. Authorization for Online Raffles:

    • Institutions of higher education are granted the privilege to hold online raffles without the need for a traditional license, streamlining the process for fundraising.

  2. Definition Updates:

    • The bill introduces and clarifies definitions related to "charitable or public service activities," "licensee," and "online raffle," ensuring that the terms are applicable to the context of higher education institutions.

  3. Removal of Geo-Location Requirements:

    • The requirement for online raffle licensees to utilize geo-location or geo-fencing technology to ensure participants are located within West Virginia has been eliminated. This change simplifies the operational requirements for conducting online raffles.

  4. Server Location Requirement:

    • The previous mandate that licensees maintain servers within West Virginia for transmitting information related to raffle participation has been removed.

  5. Tax Exemptions:

    • Gross proceeds from online raffles conducted by institutions of higher education are exempt from certain taxes, enhancing the financial viability of these fundraising efforts.

  6. Application Requirements:

    • Institutions must provide expanded information in their applications for conducting online raffles, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of proceeds.

  7. Net Proceeds Disbursement:

    • The bill outlines how net proceeds from online raffles must be disbursed, mandating that they be directed towards charitable or public service purposes.

Impact

Who is Affected?

  • Institutions of Higher Education: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are colleges and universities in West Virginia, particularly those with NCAA Division I or II athletics departments.
  • Charitable Organizations: Other charitable and public service organizations may also benefit from the relaxed regulations surrounding online raffles.
  • Participants: Individuals participating in these raffles will have easier access to online fundraising opportunities.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was passed by the West Virginia Legislature on April 10, 2025, and will take effect 90 days after passage, on July 9, 2025. This timeline allows institutions to prepare for the new regulations and implement online raffle systems.

Conclusion

House Bill 2491 represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for online raffles in West Virginia, particularly benefiting institutions of higher education. By removing previous restrictions and providing a clear framework for online fundraising, the bill aims to enhance the financial resources available for educational and charitable purposes.

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

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