Kean Measure Allowing More Financial Flexibility for Nonprofits that Host Bingo & Raffles Advances

A constitutional amendment sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that would allow more organizations to use the proceeds from conducting games of chance to support their organizations has advanced. The State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee approved the measure today.

“Many non-profits and charities have seen their primary revenue sources severely reduced because of the pandemic,” said Kean (R-21). “This resolution gives organizations that host bingo or raffles with additional financial flexibility in how the proceeds may be used. This common-sense measure will take the same benefits given to veterans and senior citizens groups, and afford them to other nonprofit organizations.”

Several types of organizations are allowed to conduct games of chance, such as bingo or raffles. This includes veterans, charitable, educational, religious, and senior citizen organizations as well as volunteer fire companies, and first aid squads.

Under current law, the proceeds from the games may be used for educational, charitable, or religious uses. Only veterans and senior citizen groups may actually use the proceeds to support their organizations.

Kean’s resolution, SCR-91, seeks to amend the New Jersey Constitution and allow all groups to use the proceeds to support their organizations.

“During these difficult times, we need to do all we can to ensure that vital nonprofits do not close their doors,” Kean added. “This legislation will provide additional means for non-profit organizations to raise the funds they need so they can continue to be an essential part of our community.”

A previous version of the resolution (SCR-173) was introduced in the Senate in June 2019, and was referred to the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.