The House has approved a revamp of the state's bingo law -- a plan that supporters say is needed to help nonprofits compete with the state's glitzy new casinos.

Rep. Don Walko, D-Pittsburgh, sponsored the bill that would allow more nights of bingo per week, permit bigger payouts, lift advertising restrictions and legalize hand-held electronic bingo devices.

"This will help our volunteer fire companies deal with the challenges they have raising money, as well as help other charitable organizations," Walko said.

His bill cleared the House last week on a vote of 180-18 and now moves to the Senate.

All House members from York and Adams counties voted for it.

Critics questioned whether the changes are needed and whether it's wise to allow more gambling opportunities in Pennsylvania.

Seven casinos have opened so far under the 2004 slots law, and the state eventually will have 14.

Rep. Todd Rock, R-Franklin, who voted against the bill, said he supports nonprofits that offer bingo but hadn't heard from any in his district seeking changes to the law.

"Generally, I don't like to see gambling expanded any more than we have to," Rock said.

Walko's bill would allow organizations to have bingo up to four days a week, up from two under current law.

The bill would permit a maximum daily payout of $10,000, up from $4,000. It would also allow progressive jackpots that could increase by $10,000 per day to a maximum of $50,000.

Randy

Rauhauser, a York firefighter, helps run bingo for both the Vigilant Fire Company of York, and the Vigilance Fire Company of West York.

He said that bingo isn't exactly a windfall for either fire company, simply because you need to bring in enough people to break even for the $4,000 prize. But it certainly helps.

When the state legislature first legalized slot machines, Rauhauser said, many firefighters throughout the state worried that it would cut into the bingo revenue that helps them maintain their companies. As it turned out, the slots didn't have as big an impact as firefighters feared, Rauhauser said.

Still, he said he believes the proposed legislation would help. The bigger payouts, in particular, would likely bring more bingo players in, he said.

"People like to go to bingo where the money's at," Rauhauser said.

The bill would also lift a restriction in current law that prohibits groups from advertising most prizes or dollar values, and allow professionals to be hired to operate bingo games.

While electronic bingo devices are used by bingo players in at least 38 other states, supporters of Walko's bill say Pennsylvania law is vague on their use. His bill makes it clear they are permitted.

The electronic devices allow players to punch numbers into the machine as they are called, and the machines have a tracking mechanism to ensure players don't miss a bingo.

Supporters say the devices make it easier for seniors and the disabled to play.

Staff writer Tom Joyce contributed to this report.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The bill to overhaul the state's bingo law heads to the Senate.