Bill to Legalize Non-Profit Casino Nights

 

            Non-profit charitable organizations would be able to host "Casino Night" fund-raising events under legislation that was approved by the state Assembly.

            The measure, Assembly Bill 839 by Assemblymember Alberto Torrico, D-Newark, was approved with bipartisan support on an initial 49-8 tally.

            "Non-profit organizations provide essential services to California ranging from health care to youth sports," Torrico said. "This bill will allow non-profits to host 'poker night' fund-raisers under carefully limited conditions."

            Under existing law, it is illegal for non-profit organizations to raise funds through card games or games of chance other than bingo. In recent years many non-profits in all regions of California that had planned to raise funds through poker or casino nights were forced to cancel events after being told they would be illegal.

            Torrico's bill permits each non-profit organization to host no more than one casino night per year and offer non-cash prizes limited to values of $500 per prize and $5,000 per event. Cash prizes are prohibited and at least 90 percent of all proceeds must be contributed to a non-profit organization.

            Non-profits must pay a $100 fee to the state to cover the cost of administering the law and enforcing its provisions. The bill also limits sponsorship of casino events to non-profit groups that are at least three years old.

            The bill now advances to the state Senate. If approved by both houses and signed by the governor, it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2007.