SENATOR’S PLAN TO OVERHAUL ANTIQUATED GAMBLING BAN, HELP CHARITIES RAISE MONEY DURING ECONOMIC CRISIS

Currently in South Carolina, anyone hoping to raise money for a charity by holding a raffle is, pardon the pun, out of luck. As are folks who would like to enjoy a game of cards — even if no money is at stake — with a few buddies.

That’s because the state’s extremely outdated gambling laws make it illegal to do anything related to games of chance. And more than a few folks have learned that the hard way.

But a new proposal by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell would change that. McConnell today introduced a bill to allow charities and nonprofits to hold simple fundraising events like a “casino night” or a cake raffle until a constitutional amendment can be created to overhaul the antiquated system.

“In these critical economic times when charities and nonprofits are facing decreased contributions, they have repeatedly sent communications to my office pleading for relief that would allow them to increase their fundraising activities,” McConnell said. “I know to change the law to allow these types of raffles will require a constitutional amendment, which will take at least until 2010. In the meantime, I am introducing today needed legislation that will allow, immediately upon passage, charities and nonprofit organizations to have a much-needed tool for fundraising.”

Anytime we have an opportunity to get rid of the nonsense nanny state — especially when there’s a whole lot of other things our state’s law enforcement need to be worrying about than raiding poker night at Phil’s house — I’m all for it. That and allowing charities the opportunity to raise a little money during tough economic times.