Gaming Committee Approves Klunk Bill to Update PA Bingo Law
HARRISBURG – The House Gaming Oversight Committee today unanimously approved legislation, authored by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York), which would update Pennsylvania’s Bingo Law to help sustain the game as a viable fundraising tool for licensed community nonprofits.
The Bingo Law was enacted by the state Legislature in 1981. Despite receiving minimal updates in both 1982 and 1988, the law has remained mostly unchanged since its enactment.
“Not long ago bingo halls were packed with enthusiastic players, but the game has faced declining popularity amid the rise of casino gaming in Pennsylvania,” Klunk said. “Local organizations that rely on bingo for fundraising are struggling to bring in the funds they once did, and the state law pertaining to the game is not helping its revival.”
Klunk’s bill would increase limits for prize payouts from $250 to $500 for any one game of bingo; from $2,000 to $4,000 for jackpot games; and from $4,000 to $8,000 for total amount of prizes awarded in a calendar day.
“I believe the popularity of bingo can be restored in Pennsylvania if we update current law to reflect the current value of money and to enhance its entertainment value,” Klunk said.
Additionally,
House Bill 1334 would remove restrictions on the number of days a licensed association may conduct bingo games.
“Under current law, if a group decides it wants to host an extra bingo night to benefit a special cause, it would have to cancel one of its regular bingo nights,” Klunk explained. “Removing the two-day restriction will give our local organizations more flexibility in scheduling fundraising events for causes that are important to members and community residents.”
Klunk also successfully amended her bill to permit pre-draw bingo, to allow new members of a licensed association to assist in the operation of bingo, to authorize non-members to call numbers and to permit bingo prize amounts to be advertised.
House Bill 1334 now moves the full House for consideration.
Representative Kate A. Klunk
169th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
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ahaslam@pahousegop.com
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