COLUMBIA, S.C. - A bill that would allow charities to hold raffles to raise money won key approval in the House on Tuesday.

The bill would amend the state Constitution so that nonprofit charities are exempt from South Carolina's antigambling laws.

The legislation would allow charities to hold four raffles a year. The only costs the charities could incur would be the cost of prizes or printing tickets. Professional fund-raisers who get a cut of the profits could not be involved.

The bill needs a third reading before heading to the Senate.