HARRISBURG, Pa. - Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed into law a measure intended to give the Pennsylvania Lottery more flexibility in offering games. The new law changes the required profit margin for lottery games, a move proponents say will help fund programs for older Pennsylvanians.

The legislation allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to offer new games and adjust current ones with larger payouts. The change aims to help the Lottery continue its role in generating money for programs supporting the state's older population.

Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne, who oversees the Lottery, stated that the new law positions the Pennsylvania Lottery to compete more effectively in the gaming market.

A key part of the new law is a reduction in the Lottery's required profit margin. Previously, Lottery games needed to generate at least a 20 percent profit. This requirement limited the Lottery's ability to offer popular games, especially Scratch-Off tickets, which often have lower profit margins due to larger prizes.

Under the new law, the profit margin requirement is permanently set at 10 percent. This adjustment aims to allow the Lottery to offer more games with larger payouts, responding to player preferences.

The Pennsylvania Lottery directs all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. This funding supports services such as property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services like senior centers and meals.

Since its start in 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $36.2 billion to these programs.