Topic:
APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE; EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMS. COMMITTEE; GAMBLING; STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS;
Location:
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE;

OLR Research Report


March 14, 2005

  

2005-R-0313

QUESTIONS FOR THE GAMING POLICY BOARD NOMINEE

By: Veronica Rose, Principal Analyst

Gaming Policy Board (CGS § 12-557d)

• The board consists of five members who serve staggered four-year terms. No more than three may be members of the same political party. At least four must be trained or have experience in corporate finance, economics, law, accounting, law enforcement, computer science, or the pari-mutuel industry. At least two of the fields must be on the board at any one time. Board members must not participate actively in political campaigning.

• The governor appoints.

• Both houses confirm following the procedure for confirming department heads.

• The board approves, suspends, or revokes gaming licenses; approves off-track betting facility contracts; sets racing and jai alai meeting dates; approves types of pari-mutuel bets, imposes fines; and advises the governor on statewide plans and goals for legalized gambling.

1. One of the board’s functions is to advise the governor on statewide plans and goals for legalized gambling. What should those goals and plans be?

2. What changes, if any, would you like to see in the Gaming Policy Board’s role and function in light of one of the greatest expansion of legalized gambling in the country?

3. What are the major challenges that you think the gambling industry will face in the next few years? What strategies should the state adopt to deal with them?

4. What issues or trends are most likely to dominate the gambling industry in the next few years? What are the implications for Connecticut?

5. Despite questions over legal and security issues, gambling has come to the Internet. Based on your understanding of the issue, what are the most useful initiatives the legislature should pursue with regard to Internet gambling?

6. Some legislators have long argued for a constitutional amendment declaring the state’s anti-gambling policy. Others view this policy as outdated. What are your views on this? What would you consider an appropriate state gambling policy?

7. While Indian casino gambling is thriving in the state, other forms of gambling have been declining. Should the state take any steps to ensure that the other forms of gambling remain viable, or should it let market forces determine their fate?

8. Is there any evidence that teenage gambling is a problem in Connecticut? If yes, is the state doing enough for teenage compulsive gamblers? What would you consider a comprehensive gambling treatment program for teenage gamblers?

VR: ts