FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5040

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Senators Delvin, Prentice, King and Kohl-Welles; by request of Gambling Commission).

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background: Minors may not participate in activities regulated by the Gambling Commission (Commission), except that, by rule, a person under the age of 18 may sell raffle tickets and may play bingo at agricultural fairs and school carnivals or when accompanied by an adult member of that person's immediate family or a guardian, and school-aged minors (between age six and 18) may play commercial amusement games at certain locations during specified times.The gambling establishment and those persons operating gambling activities are responsible for assuring that persons under the age of 18 are not playing in or participating in the operation of any gambling activity. The Commission may fine a licensee, operator, or dealer who allows a minor to participate in a gambling activity. Minors who illegally participate or attempt to participate in gambling activities are not penalized.

Summary: Persons under the age of 18 may play bingo, raffles, and amusement game activities as provided in Commission rule. Persons under the age of 18 may not participate in other gambling activities including punchboards, pull-tabs, card games, and fund-raising events. A minor who engages in prohibited gambling activities commits a class 2 civil infraction and is subject to a fine, community restitution, and court costs. The minor may not collect winnings or recover losses arising from unlawfully participating in gambling activities. Any money or item of value that is awarded to a minor must be forfeited to the Department of Social and Health Services Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse and used for youth problem gambling awareness, prevention, and/or education. Employers may conduct in-house controlled purchase programs for the purposes of employee training and employer self-compliance checks.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	46	0
House	94	4	(House amended)
Senate	44	0	(Senate concurred)