The original instrument was prepared by Brandi Cannon. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Michelle D.
Ridge.
DIGEST
SB 189 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Jackson
Present law provides for the operation of electronic video bingo machines, including a prohibition
that an electronic video bingo machine shall not contain entertainment display features simulating
slot reels or card games.
Proposed law provides that any license or permit that was issued to any location or to any distributor
for the use of electronic video bingo machines before June 30, 2022, is a bona fide and valid license
and permit under Louisiana law.
Present law provides that a licensed distributor may operate electronic video bingo machines which
are not in compliance with present law under either of the following circumstances:
(1)The licensed distributor has purchased or entered into a lease agreement for the total number
of electronic video bingo machines to be operated at a specific location on or prior to August
15, 2008.
(2)The licensed distributor has delivered to the office of charitable gaming (office) or sent by
certified mail an application and fees to have machines permitted which has been received
and not approved on or prior to August 15, 2008, and the application includes either a proof
of purchase or a non-refundable deposit.
Proposed law removes references to the licensed distributor and electronic video bingo machines,
which are not in compliance, and provides for the licensing of distributors to operate electronic video
bingo machines if either:
(1)The licensed distributor has purchased or has entered into a lease agreement and the
machines have been permitted by the office and placed at a location which has been approved
by the office prior to August 15, 2008.
(2)The person has delivered to the office or has sent by certified mail an application with the
required fees to have electronic video bingo machines permitted, and the application includes
proof of purchase for the total number of electronic video bingo machines to be placed at a
specific location that has been approved by the office.
Present law provides that electronic video bingo machines authorized by present law may only be
placed at the following two locations:
(1)A location approved by the office on or prior to August 15, 2008. (2)A location for which a completed application with the required fees for the licensing to
conduct charitable gaming at a specific location has been received by the office of charitable
gaming on or prior to August 15, 2008, and which has received final approval from the office
and was occupied by August 15, 2009.
Proposed law removes deadlines for approval or receipt of applications and provides that machines
may be placed either at a location approved by the office of charitable gaming or at a location for
which a completed application with the required fees was received and approved by the office.
Proposed law provides that if at any time the Legislature of Louisiana amends the law to add for new
licenses, the office shall not issue any new license that would allow any electronic or video bingo
machine to be placed within one mile of certain places, including any property on the National
Register of Historic Places and any building used primarily as a church, synagogue, public library,
or school. Provides for exceptions to the proposed law one-mile radius.
Proposed law provides that if the physical location in which the charitable gaming organization
operates electronic or video bingo machines is destroyed or damaged as a result of a natural disaster,
an act of God, force majeure, a catastrophe, or such other occurrence over which the organization
has no control, then the office of charitable gaming shall allow for a replacement location to be
permitted in accordance with local zoning laws.
Proposed law allows for the transfer of a location license and a electronic video bingo machines
license.
Effective July 1, 2023.
(Amends R.S. 4:724(J); adds R.S. 4:724(L) and (M))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the original bill
1. Provides for the validity of licenses for location and electronic video bingo machines
issued before June 30, 2022.
2. Removes provisions relative to licensed distributors and the operation of electronic
video machines that were not in compliance and provides for licensing requirements
of distributors.
3. Removes references to deadline dates for submission of applications for licensure
and approval of applications.
4. Provides that if the legislature amends law to add new licenses, the office of
charitable gaming shall not issue a license or permit after June 30, 2022, that would
allow any electronic video bingo machine to be placed within one mile of certain places and provides for exceptions to the one-mile radius.
5. Defines residential property.
6. Provides that if a location, where electronic video bingo machines are validly
licensed or permitted to operate is damaged or destroyed due to certain events, the
office may allow such machines to operate at the same physical location.
7. Provides for the transfer of a location license and electronic video bingo machines
license.