BILL NUMBER:  S6790

 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.