We’re glad to see bipartisan support in the state General Assembly for legislation that would allow Small Games of Chance license holders to hold their games over the Internet.

Republican Reps. Mike Reese and Ryan Warner introduced House Bill 2764 to allow Small Games of Chance license holders to conduct games online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Events to give away items such as golf equipment and other items have become important community fundraisers throughout Pennsylvania, Reese and Warner said in their legislative memorandum, but COVID-19 restrictions have made it more difficult for fire departments, veterans associations and other nonprofit organizations that rely on revenue from these events.

There are only two problems with the legislation. The first is that fire departments, veterans organizations and other non-profits need help now, not when this piece of legislation winds its way through the legislative sausage maker. Second is that we are in 2020, not 1920 — by which we mean that these organizations should be allowed to take their games online even after COVID-19 is nothing but a horrible memory.

Gov. Tom Wolf could issue an executive order tomorrow to make these games open for the internet during the pandemic. He should do so — there is enough support from Democrat House members that it shouldn’t be too controversial.

Then, legislators can discuss taking Small Games of Chance safely into the 21st century.