Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

SB 5064

Brief Description:  Defining degrees of gambling cheating.

Sponsors:  By Senators Prentice and Winsley; by request of Gambling Commission.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The offense of cheating at gambling is divided into two separate crime classifications.

Hearing Date:  3/21/01

Staff:  Sydney Forrester (786‑7120).

Background: 

The crime of cheating at gambling includes using a device or scheme to defraud a player or operator; engaging in acts that constitute fraud; acting with the intent to cheat; and conspiring with others to cheat.  Cheating at gambling is a gross misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Summary of Bill: 

The offense of cheating at gambling is reclassified by degrees.  First degree cheating at gambling means cheating and conspiring with another to cheat, or cheating while licensed by the Washington State Gambling Commission.  Cheating in the first degree is a class B felony carrying a penalty of up to ten years in jail, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.  The sentencing grid used by the courts indicates a first time offense in this category carries a three to nine month sentence.

Cheating in the second degree means cheating that does not constitute cheating in the first degree.  Second degree cheating is a gross misdemeanor for which the penalty is up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.    

Rules Authority:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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