Increases certain prize amount thresholds for raffles

3 Co-sponsors

• Rich Funke
• Timothy M. Kennedy
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to increasing certain prize amount thresholds for raffles

Purpose

This bill would increase the amount awarded by raffle, permissible during a licensing period, from one to three hundred thousand for single prizes and from two to three million dollars in the aggregate.

Summary of provisions

These amendments permit authorized organizations to increase their revenues by increasing the total aggregate value of the prizes awarded by raffle, under the current statutory limits to $ 3 million; and increase the single prize limit to $300,000.

Justification

The General Municipal Law governing raffle award prize amounts was amended, most recently in 2012, so as to afford not-for-profits statewide the ability to amplify their support of worthy causes within their communities.

Since then, not-for-profits, licensed to conduct split club raffles, have seen increased participation primarily due to the introduction of technology which has automated raffle ticket selling. For example, automated ticket selling devices, coupled with sell-out crowds at both Ralph Wilson Stadium - home to the Buffalo Bills - and the First Niagara Center - home to the Buffalo Sabres - have enhanced split club raffle ticket sales significantly, so much so, that the not-for -profit foundations affiliated with these athletic organizations will be close to eclipsing the current statutory aggregate limit of $2 million, as well as the single prize amount limit of $100,000. As such, this legislation proposes to increase the total threshold amount from $2 million to $3 million and the single prize amount from $100,000 to $300,000.

Both previously mentioned not-for-profit foundations contribute the proceeds from the sale of raffles to fund grants which benefit various organizations throughout the Western New York region. Some of the many organizations funded previously include: Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Buffalo Women's and Children Hospital; Kaleida Health Foundation; Make-a-Wish Foundation; and Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, proceeds have been used to fund and build "Miracle League Field" and purchase a mobile mammography bus.

Equally important to note, that over the last two years more than $700,000 was raised through the Buffalo Bills raffle which in turn has aided United Way programs and services throughout Erie County and for the Sabres foundation, more than $4 million has been raised, of which more than $2 million has been allocated.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.