FINAL BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5441

                                  C 261 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Amending bookmaking provisions.

SPONSORS:Senators Rasmussen, Nelson, Hayner and Johnson.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

BACKGROUND:

Professional gambling is a crime under Chapter 9.46 RCW punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than five years.  It has been suggested that bringing the crime of professional gambling and other gambling offenses in line with the classification of crimes under Chapter 9A.20 RCW would offer prosecutors greater flexibility and provide more equitable sentencing opportunities.

SUMMARY:

Professional gambling is prohibited.  Professional gambling in the first degree is a class B felony.  Professional gambling in the second degree is a class C felony.  Professional gambling in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor.  Gambling offenses are subject to the penalties set out in RCW 9A.20.021.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      48    0

House 95    0

EFFECTIVE:July 28, 1991