SHB 1260 - H AMD

By Representative Wood

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

ANEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 9.46 RCW to read as follows:

A bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization may conduct recreational gambling events for purposes of raising funds in the form of donations made by individuals attending the event. The following restrictions apply to recreational gambling events:

(1) Only gambling activities authorized by RCW 9.46.0233 may be conducted.

(2) Equipment used must not include any gambling equipment otherwise prohibited by this title and must be rented or otherwise obtained from persons licensed by the commission.

(3) The sponsoring organization may require a donation of up to five hundred dollars per person for the opportunity to participate in the event. Participants may make additional donations of up to two hundred dollars and obtain additional scrip or chips during the event. If prizes are awarded or if meals, entertainment, or other items of value are provided in conjunction with the event, their value must be identified to persons making donations to participate.

(4) All wagers must be made with scrip or chips with no value. At the end of the event, participants may be given the opportunity to purchase or otherwise redeem their scrip or chips for merchandise prizes. All merchandise prizes must be donated to or provided by the sponsoring organization. The value of all purchased prizes must not exceed ten percent of the gross revenue from the event.

(5) Only members and guests of the sponsoring organization may participate in the event.

(6) Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, no person other than a member or employee of the sponsoring organization may take any part in the management or operation of the event.

(7) A person who has been licensed by the commission may organize and conduct a recreational gambling event on behalf of the sponsoring organization, but may not provide the facility for the event. These persons may use paid personnel and may be compensated by a fixed fee, but shall not share in the proceeds of the event.

(8) The gambling activity is limited to eight hours in any twenty-four-hour period. No sponsoring organization may conduct more than two events under this section in a twelve-month period. If an organization conducts fund-raising events under RCW 9.46.0233, the organization is limited to no more than two events in a twelve-month period which may be: (a) Two events under this section or two events under RCW 9.46.0233, or (b) a combination of one event under this section and one event under RCW 9.46.0233.

(9) The commission shall adopt rules governing the operation of recreational gambling events and the licensing of persons who may organize and conduct the events on behalf of charitable and nonprofit organizations.@