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).