Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton/Lehigh, sharply criticized the state police for raiding volunteer clubs and confiscating Super Bowl pools despite a state law that expressly allows the organizations to offer small sports betting pools.

The Northampton lawmaker bristled over news that state police liquor enforcement officers recently raided three local volunteer fire organizations that were running Super Bowl pools. She called the state police position on the small pools a "violation of their oath, a violation of their responsibility as law enforcement officers, and a violation of common sense."The law enacted last year legalizes the pools in the state's Small Games of Chance statute. Under the law, the licensees may operate the pools if the entry amount is $20 or less; there are no more than 100 participants; and all pool proceeds are awarded to the contestants.State police attorneys under the previous administration refused to recognize the law, claiming that it conflicts with a federal statute. Boscola said she plans on meeting with Gov. Tom Wolf and new state Police Commissioner Marcus L. Brown to discuss the department's interpretation of the law.She described the small pools as a "fun, spirited and harmless way to test one's knowledge and luck at sports." The contests are often associated with events such as the Super Bowl or "March Madness" college basketball tournament.During her floor remarks, Boscola added that she has introduced new legislation (Senate Bill 338) that would amend the state's crimes code (Title 18) to decriminalize the small pools for friends, relatives, neighbors and all Pennsylvanians."As I've said before on this Senate floor, no game is being fixed, no one is losing their life savings, and those who operate the pools don't receive any compensation. Let's bring some common sense to the commonwealth."