HARRISBURG — Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) today urged action on his legislation to modernize Pennsylvania’s small games of chance law during a press conference at the state Capitol. He was joined by Reps. Tim Twardzik (R-123) and Russ Diamond (R-102), and representatives from local fire companies, youth sports leagues, and nonprofits. The legislation is scheduled for a vote in the House Gaming Oversight Committee tomorrow, Sept. 29.
Senate Bill 416 would allow eligible nonprofit organizations to accept electronic payments — such as credit cards, debit cards, and online platforms like PayPal or Venmo — for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting cash or checks for these transactions, which has made it harder to raise funds in today’s increasingly cashless society.
“Pennsylvania’s nonprofits and volunteer organizations work hard to support and serve their communities, and our laws should reflect the way people make purchases today,” Robinson said. “Senate Bill 416 is a commonsense update that gives these organizations fundraising options without changing the safeguards already in place.”
Organizations would still be required to verify raffle ticket purchasers are at least 18 years old. The bill does not authorize online gaming or live drawings.
“In rural Pennsylvania we rely on our volunteer fire companies to keep our neighbors safe,” said Twardzik. “Fire companies count on fundraising to keep our ‘Hosies’ open and ready to serve. Thank goodness our communities always step up and support these brave volunteers. Online fundraising has become a proven method that brings needed donations. Our neighbors find this additional way to help convenient, and they should be encouraged not denied”
“Organizations such as volunteer fire departments rely heavily on fundraisers and the generosity of the public – specifically through the sale of raffle tickets,” said Daniel Wauthier, fire chief of Presto Volunteer Fire Department. “The current law, that only allows us to accept cash or a check, is outdated and inconvenient for people who wish to support our fundraisers. We want to modernize our fundraising efforts, which will in turn, make it easier for us to serve our community.”
Paul Kennedy, president emeritus and public information officer for Good Intent Hose Company No. 1., said, “These raffles have provided an incredible resource for our organization and, ultimately, for the community we serve. This issue extends well beyond Good Intent. Volunteer fire companies and other nonprofit organizations throughout Pennsylvania rely on fundraising to purchase equipment, maintain facilities, train their members, and continue providing essential services. As technology evolves, the laws governing nonprofit fundraising need to evolve with it.”
“The money we have raised since COVID with these raffles has helped countless kids in our area, both in their respective sports and with the thousands we have raised for less fortunate children and families around the holidays,” said Bill Anderson of the Pottsville Area Little League. “The raffles are now an embedded part of fundraising in PA, and that’s why we need to codify them now.”
Jennifer Jarvis, founder and president of Lancaster Snow Angels, a snow removal nonprofit that serves older adults and veterans in the Lancaster community, said, “Even with volunteers giving their time, this work costs money. We must replenish salt, replace shovels and ice breakers, maintain and upgrade equipment, and pay insurance premiums. That is why fundraising matters so much. Please pass Senate Bill 416. Give licensed nonprofits a practical way to accept that support. For Lancaster Snow Angels, it means a better chance of being ready before the next storm, the next urgent call, or the next disaster.”
Jessica King, Jr., vice commander at the VFW Department of Pennsylvania, said, “Pennsylvania’s VFW Posts and other nonprofit organizations depend on small games of chance to fund the work we do in our communities. Senate Bill 416 makes fundraising safer, more accessible, and more convenient, so VFW Posts can increase participation and strengthen the support we provide to veterans, military families, and communities throughout Pennsylvania. It also gives us the opportunity to support one another beyond our own communities. If a VFW Post anywhere in Pennsylvania is holding a fundraiser, members and supporters from across the commonwealth should have an easy way to support that Post – even if they can’t be there in person.”
Diane Unkovic, governance chair on the Board of the Pittsburgh Symphony Association (PSA), said, “The PSA is the all-volunteer fundraising arm of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The PSA dates back to 1939 with philanthropist Elsie Hillman serving as one of the first presidents. Our longest running fundraiser has been the Sweepstakes Raffle. The inability to use online payment services to purchase chances is stifling our ability to raise funds and attract younger participants.”
“It’s time to bring Pennsylvania’s fundraising laws into the modern era,” said Robinson. “I will continue working with my legislative colleagues to get Senate Bill 416 across the finish line before the end of the legislative session and support those great organizations serving our communities.”
Senate Bill 416 was passed unanimously by the Senate in July 2025. It currently sits in the House’s Gaming Oversight Committee, but is scheduled for a vote tomorrow, Sept. 29. If approved without amendment by the committee, the bill would then need to pass a vote by the full House before finally advancing to the governor’s desk for his signature.