Pennsylvania Approves Unlimited Online Raffle Law
State lawmakers passed legislation allowing volunteer groups to host unlimited raffles to help fund operations.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Gambling
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The Pennsylvania legislature has passed Senate Bill 398, a new measure that authorizes volunteer organizations to conduct unlimited online raffles. The legislation aims to help these groups boost funding for essential operating expenses.
Why it matters
The measure provides a critical revenue stream for volunteer organizations, such as fire companies, that have faced financial strain following the loss of income from Skill machines. As operational costs continue to climb, these groups rely on such funds to support their services.
Senate Bill 398 allows organizations with existing small games of chance licenses to conduct an unlimited number of online raffles. A new firetruck currently costs approximately $1 million to purchase.
The players
Pennsylvania Legislature
This is the state governing body responsible for passing laws and regulating activities like games of chance within Pennsylvania.
The details
Senate Bill 398 addresses legal gaps in current small games of chance licensing, granting volunteer groups the authority to retain more revenue. A separate, companion bill currently pending in the legislature would further modernize these operations by allowing the use of electronic payment methods for tickets.
Timeline
Lawmakers worked on the raffle regulations during the week of October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
This legislation reflects a broader shift toward digitizing traditional fundraising methods as organizations move away from reliance on legacy Skill machine revenue. It marks a transition in how volunteer groups leverage technology to meet modern financial demands.
Residents in Pennsylvania may soon find it easier to participate in raffles hosted by their local volunteer organizations through new online platforms. These changes aim to ensure that community fire companies and other groups have the necessary funds to maintain essential public equipment.
The takeaway
Volunteer organizations stand to benefit from a more flexible regulatory environment that prioritizes digital fundraising capabilities. Readers should watch for the anticipated approval of companion legislation that would permit credit and debit card payments for these raffle tickets.
Further reading
For additional context on how the state regulates gaming activities, visit Pennsylvania Gambling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WJAC.
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