SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6748

                    As of February 4, 1998

Title:  An act relating to gambling devices and terminals.

Brief Description:  Regulating gambling devices and terminals.

Sponsors:  Senator Schow.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce & Labor:  2/5/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786-7452)

Background:  The ownership, manufacture, purchase, sale, lease, rental, operation, or transport of certain gambling devices is prohibited under current law.  Such devices include slot machines, video pull tab machines and video poker machines.  In addition, there are certain gambling devices that may be legally operated if done so as permitted under current law.  Such devices include pull tab dispensing devices and roulette wheels.   Current law is less than clear regarding what differentiates a legal gambling device from an illegal gambling device.

Summary of Substitute Bill:   The use of video, electronic, or mechanical gambling devices or terminals which allow for individual play against such devices or terminals are specifically prohibited.  "Individual play against a device" is defined. 

Gambling devices that do not allow for individual play against a device and are permitted are also defined. Such devices include pull-tab dispensing devices licensed by the Gambling Commission; amusement games as defined in statute; and electronic bingo card marking devices or daubers.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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