Many people don't realize it, but it is illegal to bet in a sporting pool in the State of PA. But one State Senator is trying to change that.
"The time has come to legitimize an activity that so many people already rightly assume is legitimate." Said Senator Lisa Boscola, who is spearheading the new law. She says its common for people to participate in the pools. "The crime I'm talking about is wagering a few dollars on a small harmless super bowl sports pool. I don't know a single person who doesn't engage in one."
Vito Ciaglia says he's still going to participate. "Yeah, it's illegal, but it doesn't stop me!"
"I think it's a little ridiculous but when it comes down to it, the laws the law, and if you don't follow it, you're subject to whatever happens to you." John Matthews told us.
Boscola has proposed a new bill, after she learned that State Liquor Enforcement officers recently raided a Pennsylvania club, seizing the funds that the members wagered on their annual Super Bowl pool. The total amount in the pool? Just 120 dollars.
The proposed law would make betting pools legal if:
But some, like John, question how that would be tracked. "How are they going to regulate that?"
That question has yet to be answered, but the majority of people who bet in sports pools would fall under those restrictions.
Boscola says her proposal is recognizing something most people already think is legal. "Merely recognizes a harmless commonplace social activity that people enjoy taking part in once or twice a year."
Chris Ott agrees. "I think it's a benefit all the way around, I think it's fun."
"The time has come to legitimize an activity that so many people already rightly assume is legitimate." Said Senator Lisa Boscola, who is spearheading the new law. She says its common for people to participate in the pools. "The crime I'm talking about is wagering a few dollars on a small harmless super bowl sports pool. I don't know a single person who doesn't engage in one."
Vito Ciaglia says he's still going to participate. "Yeah, it's illegal, but it doesn't stop me!"
"I think it's a little ridiculous but when it comes down to it, the laws the law, and if you don't follow it, you're subject to whatever happens to you." John Matthews told us.
Boscola has proposed a new bill, after she learned that State Liquor Enforcement officers recently raided a Pennsylvania club, seizing the funds that the members wagered on their annual Super Bowl pool. The total amount in the pool? Just 120 dollars.
The proposed law would make betting pools legal if:
- The entry amount is 20-dollars or less.
- There are no more than 100 participants.
- There is an established social, professional, or familial relationship between contestants.
- And all pool proceeds must be awarded to the contestants or donated to a charity.
But some, like John, question how that would be tracked. "How are they going to regulate that?"
That question has yet to be answered, but the majority of people who bet in sports pools would fall under those restrictions.
Boscola says her proposal is recognizing something most people already think is legal. "Merely recognizes a harmless commonplace social activity that people enjoy taking part in once or twice a year."
Chris Ott agrees. "I think it's a benefit all the way around, I think it's fun."
Senator Boscola says she hopes to have the legislation passed by the time March Madness comes around.