SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6572

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Trade, February 6, 2004

Title: An act relating to the treatment of problem gambling.

Brief Description: Concerning problem gambling.

Sponsors: Senators Mulliken, Keiser, Franklin, Schmidt, Oke and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Trade: 2/6/04 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6572 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Honeyford, Chair; Hewitt, Vice Chair; Franklin, Keiser and Mulliken.

Staff: John Dziedzic (786-7784)

Background: The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act requires states and Indian tribes to negotiate compacts governing the conduct and regulation of certain types of gambling on tribal lands located within the state. The Gambling Commission, through its director, is the lead negotiator for the state. Activities such as house banked card games, slot machines or electronic games of chance, etc., are typically included within the scope of these negotiations.

Once a tentative agreement is reached, the director transmits a copy of the agreement to the commission and designated standing committees of the Legislature. The Governor is empowered to execute the agreement.

Summary of Substitute Bill: A discussion of problem gambling issues and whether the tribe will consider contributing toward services for problem gambling must be included in compact negotiations conducted after the effective date of this act.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: A significant percentage of funds donated in recent years for the treatment of problem gambling has come from tribes. The proposed bill is consistent with current and proposed efforts to involve all segments of the gambling industry in identifying and securing a guaranteed, long-term funding source for the treatment of problem gambling.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Gary Hanson, WA State Council on Problem Gambling; Delores Chiechi, Recreational Gaming Assoc.; Steve Griffiths, RGA and WSCPG.