FAQ: Small Games of Chance

What types of licenses are available for charitable nonprofits?

• Regular License: Issued on an annual basis ($125). Most events require the event to be held on the premises of the licensee or a designated location (listed on the application).
• Monthly License: 30-day license ($25) Same privileges/limitations as a regular license.
• Club License: Private membership Clubs
• Special License: Valid for one raffle, with a limit of 10 licenses annually and up to $150,000 value in prizes.
• Bingo License: A separate license from other SGOC licenses ($100). (Bingo Law)

What activities are nonprofits permitted to offer with its license?

The law authorizes eligible organizations licensed by county treasurers to conduct small games of chance to offer the following types of gambling: Pull-tab games, punchboards, raffles (including raffle auctions and special permit raffles), daily drawings, weekly drawings, 50-50 drawings, race night games (obtained from distributors licensed with the Department of Revenue, and pools (excluding sports).

Examples of illegal forms of gambling: Quarter auctions, Monte Carlo/casino/poker nights (outside of authorized casinos), and numbers games (outside of the PA Lottery)

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and is intended for illustrative purposes only. Ultimately, police and law enforcement are responsible for determining and prosecuting illegal gambling activity.

“Basic Guidance on What is Legal Versus Illegal for Club Licenses and Eligible Organizations” by PA Department of Revenue

What are some key facts to know about Small Games of Chance (SGOC) raffles?

• § 901.743 Raffle Tickets (Including basket raffles)
  • Detachable ticket stubs bearing the same number as the ticket must also contain the entrant’s name, address, and phone number.
  • An organization cannot require entrants to be present to win.
  • Ticket printing requirements include the following criteria related to the drawing(s):
    • Dates, times, and location of the drawings
    • Name and SGOC license number of eligible organization conducting the raffle
    • Special raffle permit number, if applicable
    • Ticket price and prize(s) to be awarded
  • An organization selling tickets outside of their county must notify the other PA county’s District Attorney in writing at least 10 days in advance.
  • Keep records related to SGOC activity for at least two years in case the library is audited. (See PA Public Library Accounting Manual, 1202.7 for a full list of details.)

How does a nonprofit obtain and maintain a SGOC license?

The local county treasurer handles the applications for permits for Small Games of Chance, such as drawings, lotteries, and raffles. The applications can be obtained and filed annually with the county treasurer’s office in the county where the nonprofit is physically located.

SGOC Application Form (Pennsylvania)

What are some other resources regarding SGOC?

• REV-1750: Small Games of Chance Overview (PDF) – PA Department of Revenue
• Act: Local Option Small Games of Chance Act: Act of Dec. 19, 1988, P.L. 1262, No. 156
  Regulations: Title 61, Chapter 901: Local Option Small Games of Chance
• “Small Games of Chance” by Pennsylvania State Police: Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement – (PDF Slides) (It’s long but simplifies key points. It provides illustrations for proper ticket formatting, including basket raffle tickets.)
• Small Games of Chance (Webpage) – PA Department of Revenue