Five municipalities voted Tuesday night to allow small games of chance within their boundaries.

Voters in Portersville, along with Brady, Lancaster, Venango and Worth townships each approved referendums on their ballots that “favor the issuance of licenses to conduct small games of chance,” such as 50/50 tickets.

The referendum easily passed in Brady and Venango townships with 70 percent in favor of it, as well as Portersville borough with 62 percent,

It was closer in Lancaster and Worth townships, passing in both with 51 percent of the votes.

In 1988, a state law allowed municipalities to decide whether to allow these games to take place in their boundaries by placing a question on the election ballot.

County Treasurer Diane Marburger sent letters to these municipalities to get the question on the ballot.

Two municipalities in Butler County have yet to approve small games of chance: Allegheny Township and West Liberty.

The question only can be placed on ballots during municipal election years, so the next time that can happen is 2017.

The referendum primarily benefits private organizations looking to raise money through raffle tickets and other games.

Ken Hertzog, vice chairman in Brady Township, said the issue wasn’t a major concern for his township’s board.

“It was requested by the Moraine Camplands,” he said. “It doesn’t really affect the township.”