RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 285 (SB 189) 2023 Regular Session Jackson
Existing 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.
New 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.
Prior law provided that a licensed distributor may operate electronic video bingo machines
which were not in compliance with prior 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.
New law repeals prior law.
Prior law provided that electronic video bingo machines authorized by prior 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.
New law repeals prior law.
New 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.
New 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 similar 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.
New law allows for the transfer of a location license and an electronic video bingo machine
license.
New provides that if the office of charitable gaming is authorized by law at a later date to
issue any new license or permit after June 30, 2022, then the office will be prohibited from
issuing a license or permit for the placement of electronic or video bingo machines within
one mile from property on the National Register of Historic Places, public playgrounds,
residential property, or any building used primarily as a church, synagogue, public library,
or school.
New law does not apply to either of the following:
(1)Locations that are damaged or destroyed due to an act of God, natural disaster, force
majeure, catastrophic event, or action by a governmental body.
(2)Any location licensed to conduct electronic video bingo on or before June 30, 2022.
New law provides for a definition of "residential property". Effective July 1, 2023.
(Amends R.S. 4:724(J); adds R.S. 4:724(L), (M), and (N))