SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2147

            AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, APRIL 8, 1991

Brief Description:  Restricting certain lottery activities.

SPONSORS:Representatives Heavey and Wang.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, L. Kreidler, Metcalf, Murray, Newhouse, Niemi, Saling, L. Smith, Talmadge, West, Williams, and Wojahn. 

Staff:  Terry Wilson (786‑7715)

Hearing Dates:April 4, 1991; April 8, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) provides a comprehensive scheme to govern gambling on Indian reservations.  Under the IGRA, gambling is divided into three categories.  Class I gaming consists of social games solely for prizes of minimal value or traditional forms of Indian gaming engaged in by individuals as a part of or in connection with tribal ceremonies or celebrations.  Class II gaming includes bingo and, if played at the same location as bingo, pull-tabs, lotto, punchboards, tip jars, instant bingo and other games similar to bingo, provided the state permits such gaming by anyone for any purpose.  Class III gaming includes all forms of gaming that are not class I or class II.

Class III games are lawful on Indian lands only if the games are located in a state that permits the gaming for any purpose by any person, organization, or entity.  Class III games may not be conducted unless a compact regulating the specific form of gambling is in effect between the state and the tribe.  The state must negotiate with the tribe in good faith. 

Class III gaming allowed under state law includes on-track and satellite betting on horse racing, the state lottery, and charitable casino nights.

The Washington State Lottery is authorized by law to conduct lotteries using electronic or mechanical devices or video terminals that do not require the production of a printed ticket.  The lottery does not use this kind of machine.

SUMMARY:

The lottery is prohibited from using electronic or mechanical devices or video terminals which allow for individual play against the devices.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one