Pa. wineries may soon be able to hold small games of chance

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) – Wineries in Pennsylvania may soon be able to hold raffles and drawings following State Representative Scott Conklin’s (D-Centre) introduction of new legislation amending the Local Option Small Games Of Chance Act.

Conklin, along with Rep. Benjamin V. Sanchez (D-Montgomery), Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia) and Rep. Robert E. Merski (D-Erie), introduced House Bill No. 2164 March 27. If passed, the legislation would add wineries to the list of eligible organizations to conduct small games of chance including raffles, drawings and pull-tab games.

“With nearly 300 wineries and Pennsylvania producing 2 million gallons of wine each year, we must support our commonwealth’s economy by allowing small games of chance, such as pull-tabs and raffles, at our wineries, just as we allow at breweries,” Conklin said. “Pennsylvania’s wineries date back to the 17^th century when William Penn himself planted a vineyard in Philadelphia. By allowing wineries to offer small games of chance, we can also increase funding to programs for Pennsylvania’s seniors and other charitable purposes or public interest funds.”

Conklin said he wrote this legislation after hearing from a winery in Philipsburg.