Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SB 6465
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning raffles exceeding five thousand dollars.
Sponsors: Senators Holmquist Newbry and Kohl-Welles.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/16/12
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
A raffle is an event where tickets are sold and prizes are awarded based on a random drawing. In general, only certain charitable and nonprofit organizations are permitted to offer raffles. Organizations must be organized or operated for one of the following purposes: agricultural; athletic; charitable; civic; educational; fraternal; patriotic; political; or social. Agricultural fairs, fraternal societies, religious societies, churches, and granges also qualify. There are also some circumstances under which credit unions, cities, counties, and towns, and executive branch state employees may offer raffles.
Some raffles require a license from the Gambling Commission (Commission) and others do not:
Unlicensed members-only raffles. An organization may hold an unlimited number of raffles that are open exclusively to members so long as the combined gross revenue does not exceed $5,000 per calendar year. Specific authorization is given in this statute for the organization to provide unopened containers of beverages containing alcohol as raffle prizes if the appropriate permit has been obtained from the Liquor Control Board.
Unlicensed public raffles. An organization may hold two raffles per year that are open to the public if the combined gross revenue does not exceed $5,000 per year, it is managed and conducted exclusively by members, the organization maintains records for one year, and it provides notice of the raffle to the local police agency at least five days in advance.
Licensed raffles. If an organization wishes to hold a raffle that does not conform to the unlicensed raffle requirements, it must obtain a license from the Commission.
Summary of Bill:
Raffles that exceed $5,000 may be conducted pursuant to the statutory section pertaining to members-only raffles, as long as a license is obtained from the Commission.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.