HOUSE 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

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Wang, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fisch, Fisher, R. King, O'Brien, Patrick, Sanders, Sayan, C. Smith and Walker.

House Staff:Joan Elgee (786-7166)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 20, 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.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Dick King, Prime Sponsor.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This bill will legalize an enjoyable recreational game.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.