SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5602

                    As of February 11, 1997

Title:  An act relating to charitable bingo games.

Brief Description:  Authorizing joint bingo games.

Sponsors:  Senators Schow, Newhouse, Wood, Rasmussen, Heavey, Franklin, Horn and West.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce & Labor:  2/13/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786-7452)

Background:  Charitable and nonprofit organizations and agricultural fairs are currently authorized when licensed by the Gambling Commission to operate bingo games.

Bingo games may be operated no more than three times per week at a given location.  In addition, a bingo game may only be conducted in the county in which the sponsoring organization is principally located.  A bingo game must only be managed by members or employees of the sponsoring organization, unless authorized by the Gambling Commission.

Summary of Bill:  Two or more charitable or nonprofit organizations may be authorized to operate joint bingo games where prizes are pooled and when the games are conducted during each organization's normal period of operation.

The Gambling Commission is authorized to adopt rules for the operation, management and location of the games.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 7, 1997.

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