PRINTER'S NO. 993
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
884
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY MURT, BAKER, V. BROWN, D. COSTA, DRISCOLL AND
KINSEY, MARCH 17, 2017
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAMING OVERSIGHT, MARCH 17, 2017
AN ACT
Amending the act of August 26, 1971 (P.L.351, No.91), entitled
"An act providing for a State Lottery and administration
thereof; authorizing the creation of a State Lottery
Commission; prescribing its powers and duties; disposition of
funds; violations and penalties therefor; exemption of prizes
from State and local taxation and making an appropriation,"
in State Lottery, further providing for definitions and for
disposition of funds and providing for a compulsive and
problem gambling program.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 302 of the act of August 26, 1971
(P.L.351, No.91), known as the State Lottery Law, is amended by
adding definitions to read:
Section 302. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund." The fund
established under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1509 (relating to compulsive and
problem gambling program).
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"Lottery terminal." A device installed at a retail location
by the lottery for the purpose of selling and validating online
and instant tickets, performing inventory functions, generating
informational accounting reports and performing other functions
at the discretion of the lottery.
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Section 2. Section 311(b) of the act is amended to read:
Section 311. Disposition of funds.
* * *
(b) Appropriations.--The moneys in said State Lottery Fund
shall be appropriated only:
(1) For the payment of prizes to the holders of winning
lottery tickets or shares.
(2) For the expenses of the division in its operation of
the lottery.
(3) For property tax relief and free or reduced fare
transit service for the elderly as provided under subsection
(a).
(4) For the compulsive and problem gambling program
under section 316.
Section 3. The act is amended by adding a section to read:
Section 316. Compulsive and problem gambling program.
(a) Transfer for compulsive and problem gambling
treatment.--Beginning July 1, 2018, and each fiscal year
thereafter, the sum of $1,000,000 shall be transferred from the
State Lottery Fund into the Compulsive and Problem Gambling
Treatment Fund.
(b) Establishment of program.--The Department of Drug and
Alcohol Programs, in consultation with the secretary, shall
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develop program guidelines for public education, awareness and
training regarding compulsive and problem gambling and the
treatment and prevention of compulsive and problem gambling
specifically regarding play of the lottery. The program shall
supplement and be complementary to the existing program under 4
Pa.C.S. § 1509 (relating to compulsive and problem gambling
program).
(c) Notice of assistance.--The secretary shall obtain from
the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs a compulsive
gamblers assistance organization's toll-free problem gambling
telephone number maintained by the Department of Drug and
Alcohol Programs. The secretary shall require a statement
advertising the toll-free telephone number to be conspicuously
displayed:
(1) On the front of lottery tickets.
(2) On one or more signs located near the point of sale
of lottery tickets sold by lottery sales agents.
(3) On lottery terminals.
(4) On merchandising or promotional items for the
lottery.
(5) On advertisements for the lottery. In the case of
radio advertisements, the statement shall be audible.
(6) On the lottery's publicly accessible Internet
website or other social media outlet.
(7) During the televised drawing of lottery numbers.
(d) Statement.--The statement required to be displayed under
subsection (c) shall be:
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help
is available. Call (toll-free telephone number).
(e) Toll-free telephone number.--The toll-free telephone
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number obtained by the secretary from the Department of Drug and
Alcohol Programs under subsection (c) shall be the number 1-800-
GAMBLER, unless the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
determines that the number 1-800-GAMBLER is unavailable for use
by the lottery.
Section 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 2018.
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