SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6103

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: In 1973 the Gambling Act was enacted to regulate and limit the nature and scope of gambling activities for the purposes of keeping the criminal element out of gambling and promoting the social welfare of the people. The definition of "gambling" is provided in statute and means, in general, to risk something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance and an agreement that a person will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.

Since the Gambling Act was enacted in 1973, it was a gross misdemeanor to knowingly send or receive by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, or similar means any wagers or any other information intended to be used for professional gambling. The Gambling Act does not apply to parimutuel wagering authorized by the Horse Racing Commission or the selling or purchasing of tickets or shares in the State Lottery.

In 2006 the Legislature expressly included internet and telecommunications systems as prohibited methods of transmitting or receiving wagers or other gambling information. The penalty for knowingly engaging in such illegal transmission or receipt was increased from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C felony.

Summary of Bill: The definition of "gambling" is clarified to include conditional or unconditional stakes or risks upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person's control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding which may be either conditional or unconditional, that the person or someone else will or may receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.