Connecticut House Bill HB05095

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/12
• Refer: 2/15/12
• Report Pass: 3/1/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 3/19/12
• Refer: 4/10/12
• Report Pass: 4/16/12
• Engrossed: 4/18/12
• Report Pass: 4/19/12
• Chaptered: 5/30/12
• Enrolled: 5/31/12
• Passed: 6/15/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Off-track Betting Branch Facilities.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will specifically impact regulations related to the licensing and location of off-track betting establishments. Importantly, it maintains that any facilities approved before December 31, 1986, will still be permitted under the new structure. Furthermore, the locations of the authorized facilities will be confined to specified towns and cities, enhancing regional compliance and operational oversight. The mandate for annual reporting to the legislative committee on gambling will also foster transparency in the operations of these facilities.

Summary

House Bill 05095, known as An Act Concerning Off-track Betting Branch Facilities, proposes significant changes to the regulation of off-track betting in the state. The bill aims to repeal and substitute existing statutes pertaining to the operation of off-track betting branch facilities, specifically limiting the number of such facilities to a maximum of eighteen. This measure responds to the ongoing expansion and management of gaming facilities under the Department of Consumer Protection and the Gaming Policy Board, aiming to bring clarity and control to off-track betting provisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 05095 appears to be cautiously optimistic among stakeholders primarily from the gaming industry. Supporters argue that the bill will help establish a more coherent regulatory environment that benefits operators and consumers alike. However, doubts persist regarding the potential impacts on local economies and the interests of towns that may not have been included in the list of authorized locations for new facilities. Questions remain as to how these limitations will affect community access to betting services.

Contention

Notable contention exists around the extent of regulatory authority the bill will afford to the Gaming Policy Board and the Department of Consumer Protection. Critics from various sectors worry that the limitation on the number of facilities could stifle competition and local entrepreneurship within the gambling sector. Additionally, concerns were raised about the potential inequities resulting from the geographic restrictions imposed by the bill, which may disadvantage certain communities that lack access to off-track betting services.