SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1165

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives R. King and Patrick)

Authorizing athletic events forecasting contests.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 3, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Lee, Sellar, Vognild, West.

Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)

                  April 3, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, APRIL 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Charitable and nonprofit organizations possessing class H liquor licenses are authorized to allow the use of their premises for the playing of social card games and social dice games by members of the organization.  No license is required.  The organization or any other person may not impose a fee for playing or collect any portion of the wagers.

The legislature has also authorized any person to conduct sports pools without a license.  The sports pool must meet certain criteria, including that the outcome is dependent on the score of a certain athletic event and the game is conducted by allowing a purchaser to sign his or her name on chances on a grid for one dollar or less per chance.

SUMMARY:

Athletic events forecasting contests are added to the list of games authorized for charitable and nonprofit organizations possessing class H liquor licenses.  Such contests are defined as those in which a certain number of athletic events are available for selection on a weekly basis and the contestants selecting the most winners receive the prizes set forth by the organization.  An entry fee is authorized, but it must be returned to the players in the form of prizes and all costs incurred in conducting the contest must be paid by the organization.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Strikes existing language and substitutes the newly codified gambling statute (Chapter 4, Laws of 1987).

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Dick King; Frank Miller, Gambling Commission