Dear Editor,

Whatever the future holds for skill games doesn’t change the current reality for Pennsylvania charities.

As we watch the continued skill games debate in Pennsylvania, something must be made clear: whatever the future holds for skill games doesn’t change the current reality for charitable clubs. Our Moose lodges were already struggling, and more than ever we need immediate, reliable relief and an infusion of revenue to continue serving our communities. Electronic pull tabs (e-tabs) and the meaningful modernization of Pennsylvania’s small games of chance law is the solution. Our legislators need to act now.

Moose lodges rely heavily on the revenue from small games of chance, like paper pull tabs, to keep our doors open and make a difference in the lives of our members and neighbors. Unlike many other fraternal and community organizations, the Moose mandates lodges make donations to Moose-related 501(c)(3) charities, ensuring a consistent and measurable flow of support to causes such as Mooseheart Child City & School and Moosehaven Senior Community.

In 2024 alone, Moose lodges across the country collectively donated more than $9 million to these and other charitable programs. More than half of this funding originated from lodges in Virginia and Ohio, two states that recently embraced modern charitable gaming. This paints a clear picture of the direct impact modernization like e-tabs can have on charitable giving and community support.

Pennsylvania’s veteran, fraternal, and community-based organizations face increasing challenges. By authorizing e-tabs the General Assembly would take a critical step toward securing the financial future of charitable organizations that serve as vital pillars in communities across the Commonwealth.

William Dougherty,

President,

Pennsylvania Moose Association

James Hudack,

Government Relations Chairman,

Pennsylvania Moose Association