The State House approves a change to the Small Games of Chance Act that would allow the Hershey Bears and other area minor league teams to run 50/50 drawings for patrons. The change also affects the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin) wrote the measure. Specially, House Bill 1098 allows non-profit organizations affiliated with minor league and the commonwealth’s two NFL teams to conduct 50/50 drawings at home games, whereas half of the proceeds would go to an affiliated non-profit organization and half would to the drawing winner.
“I began to research this idea after the Hershey Bears contacted me about allowing these types of drawings at theit games,” said Payne. “I thought it was a great idea, as many of our charitable organizations could use the extra income, especially during hard economic times.”
Hershey Bears president and general manager, Doug Yingst says the raffles, which are already in effect for select NHL teams around the league, are growing in popularity and will be good for the fans and local communities. The money raised by the games would be invested right back into the local community.
The bill moves on to the State Senate for consideration.