Organizations with local permits to conduct charitable gaming.
Impact
If enacted, SB2154 will directly affect the existing charitable gaming regulations, ultimately aiming to streamline how organizations can operate under local permits. By allowing organizations to conduct games under specific conditions, such as physical separation from other gaming operations and the potential for waivers for more sites, the bill seeks to enhance the flexibility and availability of charitable gaming activities across the state. Moreover, it preserves protective measures regarding age restrictions to ensure that younger individuals are not allowed to participate in certain gaming activities.
Summary
Senate Bill 2154 aims to amend the current North Dakota Century Code concerning organizations with local permits to conduct charitable gaming. The bill proposes changes to the regulations surrounding how and when such organizations can operate, particularly emphasizing the conditions under which multiple organizations can conduct games at authorized sites. It introduces specific hours of operation aligned with the dispensing of alcoholic beverages and establishes clearer guidelines on venue capacities for gaming organizations.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB2154 appears largely supportive among legislators, as indicated by the significant majority vote—85 in favor to just 8 against during the House second reading. This suggests a broad consensus that the proposed changes will be beneficial in promoting charitable activities through gaming. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding how these changes could impact the dynamics of local gaming organizations and the enforcement of regulations.
Contention
Despite its favorable reception, the bill does face some contention regarding its specific provisions, especially around the separation of areas for different gaming activities and the potential for organizations to request suspensions of their licenses. These stipulations may lead to debates about the effectiveness of regulation enforcement and whether they adequately protect the interests of the general public. This aspect will likely require further scrutiny as the bill progresses, ensuring that local needs and community standards are not overlooked.
The definitions of alcoholic beverage establishment and manufacturer, approval for a gaming site authorization and licensure, the maximum number of gaming sites allowed, the maximum number of pull tab devices allowed at a site, gaming licenses for alcoholic beverage establishments, electronic fifty-fifty raffles, rent limits for electronic pull tab devices, and the imposition of monetary fines for violations by third-party businesses; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The maximum number of gaming sites allowed and the maximum number of electronic pull tab devices allowed at a site; and to provide for a legislative management study .
Reporting the value of prizes distributed by an organization using a permit to conduct raffles, bingo, sports pools, paddlewheels, twenty-one, and poker.
The structure of the state gaming commission and the administration and regulation of games of chance; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for application.
The definitions of "off sale" and "on sale", gaming site authorization and licensure, and the authorization of employees to provide limited assistance related to gaming; and to declare an emergency.