March Madness pools are illegal, for now

Just in time for those putting together those annual - but still illegal - March Madness betting pools comes Pennsylvania State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola with a word of hope.

Boscola, a Democrat from Northeastern Pennsylania, said today said she will ntroduce legislation that would legalize small sports betting pools.

"Most Pennsylvanians have either played one of these friendly pools at some point or know someone who has played them," Boscola said in her well-timed statement. "These pools are fun, spirited and harmless ways to test one's knowledge and luck at sports.

"No games are being fixed, no one is losing their life savings and the amateurs who run these pools don't receive any compensation."

Under the Boscola proposal, betting pools would be legal if:

- the entry amount is $20 or less;

- there are no more than 100 participants;

- There is an established social, professional or familial relationship between contestants;

- and all pool proceeds are awarded to the contestants or donated to a charity.

Boscola said her proposal is modeled after a Vermont law and a similar bill pending in Michigan.

She said she decided to introduce the legislation after learning liquor enforcement officers had cited a constituent tavern owner for a Super Bowl block pool.

That citation is different from the criminal penalities someone could face if convicted of bookmaking, the charge that would apply in the case of a betting pool, the senator's office said.

That first-degree misdmeanor carries a sentence of 2 1/5 to 5 years in prison and a maxiumum fine of $10,000.