SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5324
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, January 29, 2009
Title: An act relating to providing the gambling commission with authority to determine locations where amusement games may be conducted.
Brief Description: Providing the gambling commission with authority to determine locations where amusement games may be conducted.
Sponsors: Senators Delvin, Prentice and Holmquist; by request of Gambling Commission.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/29/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, King and Kline.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: The Washington State Gambling Commission (Commission) regulates wagering on activities such as social card games, bingo, raffles, amusement games, punch boards, pull-tabs, and fund-raising events. An amusement game is a game played for entertainment that involves active participation by the contestant and awards merchandise prizes only. A person or organization operating an amusement game must do so in accordance with Commission rules and must operate them at locations authorized by the Commission. In statute, these authorized locations include agricultural fairs, civic centers, world's fairs, community-wide civic festivals, commercial expositions, amusement parks, shopping centers, areas licensed by the liquor control board, movie theaters, bowling alleys, miniature golf courses, and businesses whose primary activity is to provide food service for on premises consumption that also offers family entertainment. Commission rules allow licensed amusement game operators to conduct amusement games at commercially-operated family sports complexes, skating facilities, and grocery and department stores.
Summary of Bill: The Commission may authorize amusement games at locations in addition to those provided in statute.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a housekeeping bill. Part of the statutes regulating amusement games state that the Gambling Commission has the authority to determine where amusement games may be located. Another part lists those locations in statute. This bill clarifies that the Gambling Commission has authority to determine where amusement games may be located. It is not expected to bring in many new amusement games or that a flood of people will seek to add these games. It has industry support.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Amy Hunter, Dave Trujillo, Gambling Commission.