The original instrument was prepared by Michelle D. Ridge. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Alan
Miller.
DIGEST
SB 189 Reengrossed 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 on or 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 nonrefundable deposit.
Proposed law repeals present law.
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 repeals present law.
Proposed law prohibits the office from issuing any license or permit to any location or to any
distributor for use of electronic video bingo machines after June 30, 2022. Proposed law provides that if any location, where electronic or video bingo machines are validly
licensed or permitted on or before June 30, 2022, to operate is damaged or destroyed due to an
occurrence that is an act of God, natural disaster, force majeure, catastrophic event, action by a
governmental body, or a similiar occurrence over which the licensee or permittee has no reasonable
control, the office may allow electronic or video bingo machines to operate at the same physical
location.
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.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill 1. Clarifies that the validity of licenses for location and electronic video bingo machines
issued on or before June 30, 2022 remains, rather than just before June 30, 2022.
2. Removed all provisions relative to obtaining permits or licenses for locations or
distributors of electronic video bingo machines.
3. Adds provision prohibiting the office from issuing any license or permit to any
location or to any distributor for use of electronic video bingo machines after June
30, 2022.