Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Commerce & Gaming Committee |
HB 2216
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: Increasing the maximum bet in sports pools.
Sponsors: Representatives Eslick, Dent, Corry and Jenkin.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/13/20
Staff: Peter Clodfelter (786-7127).
Background:
Since 1976, sports pool boards have been a legal form of gambling in Washington. The Gambling Act authorizes any person, association, or organization to conduct sports pools without a license from the Gambling Commission (Commission), subject to specific requirements.
The authorization for sports pool boards describes sports pool boards as a board or piece of paper divided into 100 equal squares, each of which constitutes a chance to win in the sports pool and each of which is offered directly to prospective contestants at $1 or less. The purchaser of each square signs their name on the face of each square purchased. Before the start of the subject athletic contest, the pool is closed and no further chances in the pool may be sold.
After the pool is closed, a prospective score is assigned by random drawing to each square. All money paid by entrants to enter the pool, less taxes, must be paid out as the prize or prizes to persons holding squares assigned the winning score or scores from the subject athletic contest. Sports pool boards must be available for inspection by any person purchasing a chance to win, by the Commission, or by any law enforcement agency upon demand at all times prior to the payment of the prize.
An operator of a sports pool may not conduct more than one sports pool on the same athletic event. A sports pool must conform to any rules of the Commission applicable to sports pools.
Summary of Bill:
The amount of money for which a square on a sports pool board may be offered to prospective contestants is increased from $1 or less to $5 or less.
A person or organization conducting a sports pool may conduct no more than two total sports pools on the same athletic event, instead of being limited to conducting only one sports pool on the same athletic event.
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.