State Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, announced the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is making applications available for tavern gaming licenses starting Jan. 27. Applicants can find the form at www.lcb.state.pa.us.

"Governor Tom Corbett signed legislation into law in November 2013 that updates Pennsylvania's Small Games of Chance Act," Simmons said.

"Included in Act 90 of 2013 is the legalization of tavern games for liquor licensees, such as raffles for a charitable or public purpose, pull-tab games and daily drawings."

Licensees interested in obtaining a tavern gaming license will first have to submit an application along with a set of fingerprints, federal criminal history summary and the applicable fees to the PLCB.

The agency will review the application and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which is responsible for conducting a thorough background check. Once the background check is completed, the PLCB has the authority to approve or deny the license. Because the process is new and unfamiliar to most licensees, the PLCB and partner agencies will hold informational sessions at various locations across the Commonwealth prior to Jan. 27.

The last session will be held at the Best Western Genetti Hotel and Conference Center, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre, 1 p.m. Jan. 24.

Participants are encouraged to register online at www.lcb.state.pa.us.

"These seminars are intended for tavern owners interested in tavern gaming licenses only," Simmons said.

"Small games of chance distributors, club licensees and other eligible organizations are discouraged from attending and instead are encouraged to visit www.revenue. state.pa.us/SGOC for information on how Acts 90 and 92 impact them."

Simmons also announced the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has extended the reporting deadline for small games of chance licensees.

Because of the significant changes made to the Small Games of Chance Act, licensees will not be required to submit electronic annual reports to the department by Feb. 1.

Reporting for 2014 will now be required by Feb. 1, 2015 for clubs with proceeds of $20,000 or more.

Access to the online reporting system will be available from the department's website in late 2014.