HB 2282 - DIGEST

Declares that electronic scratch tickets are a legal form of gambling in the state of Washington. In addition, any electronic games approved under RCW 9.46.360 are authorized to the same extent and in the same manner as electronic scratch tickets are owned, operated, and regulated under this act.

Provides that the maximum number of player terminals per licensed location is as follows: (1) To the top forty gross receipt charitable or nonprofit operations conducting bingo games, one hundred twenty-five player terminals per licensed location;

(2) To house-banked card rooms operating at least five house- banked card tables and to class 1 horse racing facilities, one hundred twenty-five player terminals per licensed location;

(3) To persons, associations, or organizations primarily engaged in the selling of food or drink for consumption on the premises and bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations that conduct bingo games, or use punch boards, or pull-tabs as specified.

Provides that the maximum number of electronic scratch ticket game player terminals shall be determined as of January 1, 2003, for the initial allocation and January 1st of every year thereafter for future allocations.

Provides that the payment of prizes to the holders of winning tickets or shares shall not be less than seventy-five percent of the gross annual revenue from electronic scratch ticket games.

Declares that the net win, less the licensee's proportionate share set forth in this act, shall be transferred into the electronic scratch ticket account.

Declares that the money in the electronic scratch ticket account shall be used as specified by the act.

Provides that play of all electronic scratch ticket games is restricted to players who are twenty-one years of age or older. Electronic scratch ticket licenses shall not be issued to agents registered to sell lottery tickets in venues such as convenience stores or other locations readily accessible to minors, but shall be restricted to the authority granted by this act.

Provides that placement of player terminals for electronic scratch ticket games shall only be allowed on premises and in areas of premises meeting the liquor control board's requirements for barrier and signage as contained in WAC 314-02-050(1) as it exists on the effective date of this act and on the premises or portion of the premises where persons under twenty-one are not permitted.

Declares that electronic scratch ticket sales are limited to bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations that conduct bingo games, punch boards, or pull-tabs, as authorized under RCW 9.46.0311; an association or organization primarily engaged in the selling of food and beverages for on-premise consumption that uses punch boards, pull-tabs, or house-banked card games operating at least five house-banked card tables as authorized under RCW 9.46.0325; and class 1 horse racing facilities. An electronic scratch ticket license may be revoked if the licensee fails to maintain a license in good standing pursuant to RCW 9.46.070.

Directs the department of social and health services to contract with a nonprofit entity incorporated in Washington state dedicated to the provision of public awareness, education, prevention, helpline services, treatment, professional training, counselor certification, research, and other services necessary to address problem and pathological gambling in Washington to implement a program that addresses problem or pathological gambling.