An Act amending the act of December 19, 1988 (P.L.1262, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, in tavern gaming, further providing for definitions.

PRINTER'S NO. 23
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 44
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY CONKLIN, SANCHEZ, PIELLI, HILL-EVANS AND HARKINS,
JANUARY 10, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAMING OVERSIGHT, JANUARY 10, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of December 19, 1988 (P.L.1262, No.156),
entitled "An act providing for the licensing of eligible
organizations to conduct games of chance, for the licensing
of persons to distribute games of chance, for the
registration of manufacturers of games of chance, and for
suspensions and revocations of licenses and permits;
requiring records; providing for local referendum by
electorate; and prescribing penalties," in tavern gaming,
further providing for definitions.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definitions of "restaurant licensee" and
"tavern" in section 902 of the act of December 19, 1988
(P.L.1262, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of
Chance Act, are amended and the section is amended by adding a
definition to read:
Section 902. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
* * *
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
"Restaurant licensee." A for-profit hotel, restaurant,
privately owned public golf course, brewpub [or], microbrewery
or winery licensed to sell liquor under the act of April 12,
1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code. The term does
not include any of the following:
(1) A grocery store.
(2) A premises where the sale of liquid fuels or oil is
conducted.
(3) A winery that holds a license other than a limited
winery license.
"Tavern." A for-profit hotel, restaurant, privately owned
public golf course or brewpub [or], microbrewery or winery with
a valid license to sell liquor, malt or brewed beverages under
the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor
Code. The term does not include any of the following:
(1) A grocery store.
(2) A restaurant where the sale of liquid fuels or oil
is conducted.
(3) A hotel or restaurant whose place of business is
located in a licensed facility as defined in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1103
(relating to definitions).
(4) A business on the grounds of a facility where a
Major League sports team conducts games or races.
(5) A winery that holds a license other than a limited
winery license.
* * *
"Winery." The term shall mean the same as under section 102
of the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the
Liquor Code.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20250HB0044PN0023 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30