Sen. Dodd’s Charity Raffle Bill Clears Committee

SACRAMENTO – Legislation has advanced from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would allow the continuation of 50-50 raffles at major league sports stadiums – an important fundraising tool for nonprofits.

“This bill supporting charitable raffles provides an important funding tool for a host of organizations benefiting youth and the underserved,” Sen. Dodd said. “Over the years, these raffles have raised millions for a diverse group of charitable organizations throughout the state. This approval is a step toward ensuring that continues.”

In California, a key fundraiser for nonprofits has been the 50-50 raffle, in which 50% of the proceeds go to a winner and 50% go back to the hosting organization. Since the creation of 50-50 raffles, the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, for example, has been able to serve over 150,000 youths with 30,000 kids benefiting annually.

However, the law allowing these raffles is about to expire.

Senate Bill 650 removes the Jan. 1, 2024 sunset so professional sports teams and sports organizations can continue to provide millions of dollars in charitable funding to worthy philanthropic organizations.

SB 650 is supported by numerous organizations, including professional sports teams such as the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors. It was approved by the Assembly’s Governmental Organization committee Wednesday on a 20-0 vote after clearing the full Senate. It heads next to Assembly Appropriations.

“The 50 50 raffle has allowed us to expand the reach of our program,” Amy Tovar, general counsel for the Giants, testified at a recent Senate committee hearing. “This has been a complete game-changer for the Giants community.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.