| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 2489
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Increasing raffle ticket prices.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller and Chase.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/08
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Washington's Gambling Act authorizes charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct raffles
to raise funds for the organizations' stated purposes. The organization must be organized for one
of the purposes specified in statute, which include agricultural, charitable, educational, political,
fraternal, or athletic purposes, and meet other requirements.
A raffle may be conducted as a licensed or unlicensed raffle. A license is required if: (1) the
gross revenue from all gambling fundraising conducted by the organization is more than $5,000
per year; (2) tickets are sold by someone other than a member of the organization; (3) tickets are
sold at a discount; (4) firearms are awarded as prizes; and (5) in certain other cases. By rule, if
the retail value of a prize is $40,000 or more or the total value of raffle prizes offered in a year
exceeds $80,000, Gambling Commission approval is required in addition to a license.
The maximum price of a raffle ticket is $25.
Summary of Bill:
The maximum price of a raffle ticket is raised from $25 to $100. The Gambling Commission
may raise the maximum amount above $100 by rule.
Rules Authority: The bill gives the Commission rule-making authority to raise the maximum
price of a raffle ticket.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.