SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6351

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.

As of January 18, 2010

Title: An act relating to registration of lottery tickets and shares.

Brief Description: Allowing internet registration for second chance drawings of nonwinning tickets.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Schoesler and Kohl-Welles.

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/18/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Some state lottery game promotions involve second chance drawings, which allow the purchaser of a non-winning lottery ticket to register their ticket for additional prizes. Registration of non-winning tickets must be done through the United States Postal Service.

Summary of Bill: Previously purchased lottery tickets and shares that allow second chance drawings at no additional cost may be registered via the Internet. On-line registration does not constitute a sale, and the awarding of prizes may not be conducted via the Internet.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: On-line registration of tickets is customer friendly and more efficient than mailing them in. This bill would bring Washington in line with standard practices used across country. Customers have asked for this sort of program. The Lottery Commission talked with the Attorney General and with the Gambling Commission, and language has been added to the bill to make sure that no prizes are awarded via the internet and that the bill doesn't conflict with federal gaming law. The bill will also increase participation in second chance drawings.

CON: There are unintentional consequences with the bill. It is a gateway to internet gaming. Under this legislation, a person would be entering a game of chance on the internet to win a prize, and it is a very slippery slope.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Arlen Harris and Chris Liu, Washington Lottery Commission.

CON: Martin "Jamie" Durkan, Muckleshoot Tribe.