Just like pizza, wings and chips, small betting pools are a tradition for many people during major sporting events like Sunday's Super Bowl and the upcoming NCAA basketball tournament.
However, even a small betting pool among friends or coworkers during the big game is illegal in Pennsylvania and most of the U.S.
Last week, state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, announced that he will be introducing legislation to legalize small betting pools. The bill mirrors legislation that state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18, will be reintroducing in her chamber.
"These types of pools are harmless, light-hearted fun," Goodman in a prepared statement. "It's ridiculous that someone could be jailed or fined for throwing a couple bucks into a block pool. I'm happy to join Sen. Boscola's efforts to legalize them."
Under the proposals from Goodman and Boscola, betting pools would be legal if:
- The entry is $20 or less
- There are 100 or fewer participants
- There is an established social, professional or familial relationship between contestants
- All proceeds are awarded to participants or donated to a charitable organization
"In my legislative district, I have many veterans organizations, volunteer fire companies and social clubs that often use betting pools as fundraisers in conjunction with special events such as the Super Bowl," Goodman said. "Many of these clubs are struggling financially due to the economy and we should be trying to help them increase business through participation in these pools. I am also upset that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has been citing licensees for having these types of sports pools on their premises."
