FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1273

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.

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, and athletic purposes, and meet other requirements.

A raffle may be conducted as a licensed or unlicensed raffle. A license is required: (1) if the gross revenue from all gambling fundraising conducted by the organization is more than $5,000 per year; (2) if tickets are sold by someone other than a member of the organization; (3) if tickets are sold at a discount; and (4) in certain other cases. Specified restrictions and requirements apply to the conduct of all raffles.

Credit unions and a group of executive branch state employees are considered nonprofit organizations and may conduct unlicensed raffles under certain conditions.

Summary:

A county, city, or town is considered a nonprofit organization for purposes of organizations authorized to conduct raffles and may conduct licensed or unlicensed raffles so long as the revenue, less prizes and expenses, is used for community activities or tourism promotion activities.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	97	0
Senate	40	8