It’s time to break the myths.

So, you think you know Pennsylvania law regarding casino nights? – Every day someone calls my office requesting information about how to host a casino night fundraiser. Some will listen when I explain to them what they need to know. However, most have a preconceived idea of how they want to host and structure their fundraising event. The fact is this, of those who contact my office, an estimated 99% of them are misinformed. This is my first blog regarding this issue. There are many aspects of the law to know and understand. I hope this blog will inform, and break some of the myths.

Truth, not fiction.

Only casinos can operate live cash gaming. You cannot sell casino chips and you cannot redeem casino chips for anything, (not even raffle tickets), not even in the name of a charity. Many people seem to think that they are within the law using this strategy for a casino night fundraiser. They’re wrong. By selling casino chips to guests you are breaking the law. By converting your guests ‘winning chips’ into ‘raffle tickets,’ you are breaking the law. Guests using raffle tickets that they won during casino play for a chance to win items on a ‘Chinese Auction’ is in fact, also breaking the law. It’s all illegal, and you don’t have to believe me – just contact Lieutenant James A. Jones Jr., Western Section Commander for the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. I am certain he will confirm it for you. His email is [email protected].

Let’s Review Pennsylvania Law for Casino Nights

The State of Pennsylvania is very clear on exactly what gambling is; (many states are not) however, in the State of Pennsylvania gambling is defined by 3 elements.

  1. Consideration
  2. Chance
  3. Reward
  • Consideration by the law is defined as: ‘fee you pay for casino chips or to play.’
  • Chance is exactly what it describes: ‘the cards, the wheels, the dice.’
  • Reward is ‘anything you win of value’ (Yes…even raffle tickets!)

So as the event organizer, you cannot charge for chips. Additionally, you cannot allow the redemption of guests’ gaming chips for raffle tickets, prizes, or anything of value. It’s that simple. ‘All gaming must be complimentary – no purchase required to play.’ The casino games in a fundraiser can only be used as a form of entertainment. Although many people think they can, you cannot open your very own casino, (with or without), a small games of chance license. There seems to be a lot of confusion about a small game of chance license as it relates to casino game entertainment. Stay tuned – because we plan to discuss more on this in our next blog.

We will help you with Pennsylvania law regarding casino nights

Elite Casino Events is staffed entirely by casino professionals. It’s extremely important to us that you understand and abide by the law regarding casino night entertainment. If some other company is telling you that ‘you can sell chips and use raffle tickets for redemption at the end of play’ – they are quite simply not telling you the truth. They are selling you…not helping you. We’re here to help you understand and abide by the law in Pennsylvania. All 501C charities can successfully host a casino-themed fundraiser and also meet the requirements of the law. We’ve got a winning formula designed specifically for our charitable organizations in Pennsylvania. Please call us to schedule your strategy meeting today, so that…Everybody Wins.

Author – Dawn Takacs, President Elite Casino Events

*To ask for more information about the Pennsylvania law regarding casino nights please visit the PA State Website.

*This blog is not considered legal advice. Before you plan your fundraiser, you should research Pennsylvania law regarding casino nights with your attorney. 

*At Elite Casino Events we play casino games only for fun, and we believe in responsible live casino gameplay. If you know anyone who has a gambling problem please help them by visiting this website Gamblers Anonymous