Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands gambling to include table games and video slot machines.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the construction of 2 video lottery facilities that must be at least 100 miles apart (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the operation of video lottery machines including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):
• Slot machines;
• Video poker machines; and
• Other lottery machines.

• Requires a license from the lottery commission in order to operate video lottery machines (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a one time fee for an operating license for video lottery machines is at least $10 million (Sec. 1).

• Specifies an operating license for video lottery machines or any subsequent renewal is valid for 5 years unless the license is suspended or revoked by the commission (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes video lottery operator licensees to apply for a “table game” operation certificate  (Sec. 1).

• Defines “table games” as percentage games that allow individuals to use strategy and reason to  improve their expected return (Sec. 1).

• Establishes an additional fee of no more than $1 million for the renewal of “table game” operation certificates for video lottery facilities that are valid for 5 years (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the lottery commission to regulate video lottery facilities and “table games” including, but not limited to, the ability to (Sec. 2):
• Establish standards for granting licenses and certificates;
• Establish technical standards for the approval of video lottery machines and “table games”; and
• Conduct hearings related to any violations of the provisions of this bill.

• Requires all video lottery machines to provide an average payoff of at least 87 percent (Sec. 1).

• Requires 49 percent of net income from the video lotteries, after deducting for administrative costs, to be given to the state treasurer to be distributed as follows (Sec. 1):
• $75,000 annually to the Department of Health and Human Services to treat problem gambling;
• $363 million annually to the Education Trust Fund; and
• The remainder to the state Highway Fund.

• Requires 8 percent of the daily gross “table game” revenues to be distributed to the state Highway Fund and the remainder to the video lottery operator (Sec. 10).

• Classifies the act of tampering with a video lottery machine for the purpose of manipulating the outcome of the gaming system as a felony (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits any individual under the age of 21 from playing a video lottery machine (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a rehabilitation program for problem gaming that provides scientific care, treatment and rehabilitation of gambling (Sec. 5-6).

Full Bill Text