Subject of Possible Rule Making: Implementing 2013 legislation regarding licensed enhanced raffles.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: E2SSB [ESSB] 5723, RCW 9.46.070, 9.46.0277.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The subject of this rule making is to implement E2SSB [ESSB] 5723, which was passed during the 2013 legislative session to allow bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is serving individuals with intellectual disabilities to conduct "enhanced" raffles under certain conditions if the raffle is approved by the five-person gambling commission. The new law gives the commission rule-making authority to: Set fees for bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations, call center vendors, and consultants conducting enhanced raffles; to adopt rules governing the licensing and operation of enhanced raffles; and to define independent audits that will be conducted on enhanced raffles and associated smaller raffles. The new law authorizes up to four raffles per year with a grand prize worth up to $5 million and allows raffle tickets to be sold for up to $250 per ticket (the current ticket limit is $100). The new law allows associated entries and drawings, including "refer a friend," "early bird" and "multiple ticket" drawings. The organizations would be allowed to use call centers and/or hire consultants, if licensed by the commission; currently call centers and consultants are not allowed. The new law expires June 30, 2017.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Interested parties can participate in the discussion of this proposed change by attending a commission meeting, or contacting the agency rules coordinator, Susan Newer, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, (360) 486-3466, e-mail Susan.Newer@wsgc.wa.gov, fax (360) 486-3625.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication.

     [Meetings on] July 11 or 12, 2013, at the Bellevue Red Lion, 11211 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004, visit www.wsgc.wa.gov on July 1 to confirm meeting location and start time; on August 8 or 9, 2013, at the Wenatchee Red Lion, 1225 North Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, visit www.wsgc.wa.gov on August 1 to confirm meeting location and start time; and on September 12 or 13, at the Grand Mound Great Wolf Lodge, 20500 Old Highway 99 S.W., Grand Mound, WA 98531, visit www.wsgc.wa.gov. on September 1 to confirm meeting location and start time.

May 22, 2013

Susan Newer

Rules Coordinator