Posted: | January 3, 2013 10:43 AM |
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From: | Senator Timothy J. Solobay |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Small Games of Chance Amendments |
In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that would amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to address concerns recently raised by many organizations that use games of chance to raise funds. My bill would increase the portion of proceeds from games of chance that a club licensee may keep for operating expenses from 30% to 50%. Since many of the organizations that conduct games of chance rely on volunteers to operate, my legislation would also exempt smaller organizations from burdensome new reporting requirements if they make under $100,000 a year from games of chance. Other significant provisions of this legislation would allow monthly drawings, Chinese auctions, Night at the Races, coin auctions, and other events and games that many organizations have hosted for years. Local law enforcement and county licensing authorities would be responsible for violations of the law. Additionally, this legislation will:
The primary purpose of allowing of small games of chance has all along been to assist veterans' clubs, volunteer fire companies, and other nonprofit associations raise money for charitable or civic purposes. While Act 2 of 2012 was meant to aid these organizations in this goal, it has unfortunately resulted in widespread confusion and hardship. With many of these organizations now struggling to make ends meet, the changes above would help them survive and ensure that their significant contribution to the local community continues. |
Introduced as SB390