SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2917

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Labor, Commerce & Trade, February 22, 1996

Title:  An act relating to amusement games.

Brief Description:  Eliminating a limitation on sites on which amusement games may be conducted.

Sponsors:  Representatives Robertson, Romero and Cairnes.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/21/96, 2/22/96 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, Newhouse and Wojahn.

Staff:  Katie Healy (786-7403)

Background:  Amusement games are games played for entertainment where the person actively participates and the outcome depends on the player's skill and is not controlled by the operator of the game.  Amusement games include, among others, dart games, ring games, games requiring hand/eye coordination, and mechanical crane games.  Only merchandise may be awarded as prizes.

Amusement game operators must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and must conduct the games according to rules adopted by the commission.  Current law requires games to be conducted in connection with certain events or at certain locations such as agricultural fairs, amusement parks, and regional shopping centers.  Games may also be licensed for operation at premises of any liquor licensee whose license restricts access by minors, and at businesses that primarily serve food and offer family entertainment, including at least three activities such as amusement devices, theatrical productions, mechanical rides, motion pictures and slide show presentations.

Summary of Bill:  Businesses that primarily serve food may be licensed by the Gambling Commission to operate amusement games.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill allows children's games to be played in restaurants and avoid having the requirements tied to a liquor license.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Tk. Bentler, NW Toy Inc.