The General Assembly hereby declares that the playing of games of chance for the purpose of raising funds, by certain nonprofit associations, for the promotion of charitable or civic purposes, is in the public interest. In some cases, the proceeds from games of chance may be utilized to support certain operating expenses of certain organizations.

The General Assembly hereby declares that raising public funds from games of chance in licensed restaurants and protecting the competitiveness of these restaurants is also in the public interest.

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the General Assembly that all phases of licensing, operation and regulation of games of chance be strictly controlled, and that all laws and regulations with respect thereto as well as all gambling laws should be strictly construed and rigidly enforced.

The General Assembly recognizes the possibility of association between commercial gambling and organized crime, and wishes to prevent participation by organized crime and prevent the diversion of funds from the purposes herein authorized.