FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2672

                         C 252 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Prohibiting greyhound racing.

Sponsors:  Representatives Van Luven, Romero, Sheahan, Tokuda, Schoesler, D. Sommers, Murray and L. Thomas.

House Committee on Trade & Economic Development

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

Background:  Washington regulates gambling under the Gambling Act of 1973.  The state has not authorized either live or simulcasts of greyhound racing for the purpose of public exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events.

Summary:  Greyhound racing for gambling purposes is prohibited in the state of Washington.  If conducted for gambling purposes, a person may not (1) hold, conduct, or operate live greyhound racing in the state for public exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events, or (2) transmit or receive intrastate or interstate simulcasting of greyhound racing for commercial, parimutuel, or exhibition purposes.

Violation of these provisions is a class B felony (professional gambling in the first degree), which is punishable by confinement in a state correctional institution for a maximum term up to 10 years, or by a maximum fine up to $20,000, or both confinement and a fine.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     91 7

Senate    49 0 (Senate amended)

House         (House refused to concur)

Senate    47 0 (Senate amended)

House     91 2 (House concurred)

Effective:  June 6, 1996