HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 416 into law on Thursday, authorizing nonprofit organizations, volunteer fire companies, and veterans groups across the Commonwealth to sell raffle tickets online and process electronic payments.
The legislation received near-unanimous final legislative approval earlier in the week, clearing the House in a 199-4 vote before passing the Senate with unanimous concurrence. The new statute updates the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, modernizing legacy regulations that had previously limited charitable raffles and 50/50 drawings to cash or check transactions. Under the enacted bill, licensed charities can accept credit cards and digital payment platforms, including Venmo and PayPal, for ticket sales. Additionally, the legislation incorporates a provision introduced by Sen. Chris Gebhard that doubles the weekly raffle prize limit from $35,000 to $60,000.
The statutory change follows years of advocacy from grassroots organizations affected by outdated regulatory enforcement. Local organizations, such as the Lancaster Snow Angels—a volunteer group assisting seniors, veterans, and individuals with special needs—were previously forced to refund $20,000 in digital raffle proceeds after federal and state authorities cited existing prohibitions on electronic ticket processing.
The law takes effect in 60 days, at which point eligible non-profit organizations statewide can officially resume digital fundraising operations.
