Subject of Possible Rule Making: Gambling equipment.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 9.46.070.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Currently, items defined as gambling equipment may only be sold and purchased by a licensed manufacturer, distributor or operator. The amendment looks to remove specific nonprofessional items from the definition of gambling equipment. For example, nonlogo cards/chips and nonprofessional gaming tables (such as those found at retail stores). Amendments would also remove discontinued logo cards/chips from the definition of gambling equipment.

     It would also remove amusement games from the definition of gambling equipment. WAC 230-20-508 describes which amusement games are authorized and provides a process to introduce new coin or token activated amusement games into the state. Amusement games will continue to be addressed under WAC 230-20-508.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Rule change developed by agency staff. Interested parties can participate in the discussion of this proposed change by attending a commission meeting, or contacting the agency rules coordinator at the contact information below.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rick Day, Deputy Director, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3446; Neal Nunamaker, Deputy Director, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3449; or Susan Arland, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3466, e-mail Susana@wsgc.wa.gov.

     [Meetings on] June 10, 2005, at the LaConner Maple Hall, 108 Commercial Street, LaConner, WA 98257, (360) 466-3101; on August 12, 2005, at The Heathman Lodge, 7801 N.E. Greenwood Drive, Vancouver, WA 98662, (360) 254-3100; and on September 9, 2005, at the Red Lion Hotel Pasco, 2525 North 20th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301, (509) 544-3910.

May 11, 2005

Susan Arland

Rules Coordinator