Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved legislation that allows the continuation of 50-50 raffles — an important fundraising tool for nonprofits — at major league sports stadiums.
Newsom on Saturday signed Senate Bill 650, introduced by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, which removes the Jan. 1, 2024, sunset on the law authorizing eligible organizations to conduct 50-50 raffles at major league sports home games.
The new law allows professional sports teams and sports organizations to continue to provide millions of dollars in charitable funding to worthy philanthropic organizations, Dodd’s office said.
“Over the years, these raffles have raised millions for a diverse group of charitable organizations throughout the state,” Dodd said in a statement. “They provide an important funding tool for a host of organizations benefiting youth and the underserved. With the governor’s signature on this new law, we can ensure that continues.”
“The 50-50 raffle has allowed us to expand the reach of our program. This has been a complete game-changer for the Giants community.” Amy Tovar, San Francisco Giants Community Fund
According to Dodd’s office, a key fundraiser for nonprofits in California has been the 50-50 raffle, in which 50 percent of the proceeds go to a winner and 50 percent 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, Dodd’s office added.
“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.”
SB 650 is supported by numerous organizations, including professional sports teams such as the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors, and received overwhelming support in the Legislature before it was signed by the governor, the senator’s office said.