REPORT ON BILLS FAVORABLY REPORTED BY COMMITTEE

TITLE OF BILL:

AN ACT CONCERNING GAMING PRODUCTS AND RAFFLE PRIZES.

SPONSORS OF BILL:

REASONS FOR BILL:

The Division of Special Revenue has had numerous requests to allow low stakes cash prizes for duck races, frog races, and traditional raffles pursuant to a “Class No. 1,” “Class No. 2,” or “Class No. 4” raffle permit. This bill would add these types of raffles to the group now allowed to offer low stakes cash prizes ($15,000 or less).

Substitute language: LCO No. 2960: New title: “An Act Authorizing Gaming Products and Raffle Prizes.” New language incorporates provisions from 3 related bills: HB 5479, allowing tear-off sheet ticket sales for "teacup" raffles and making the Division of Special Revenue the sole issuer of such sheets; HB 5481, requiring registration of bingo product manufacturers and dealers; and HB 5482, requiring registration of sealed ticket dispensing machine manufacturers and dealers (Note: Amended by voice vote to correct annual fee to $500.). Substitute language specific to the HB 5486 portion adds Section 9, with provisions for conducting tuition raffles.

This bill (and the ones assimilated) was requested by the Division of Special Revenue.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Division of Special Revenue, Executive Director Paul Young: This proposal would amend the general statutes so as to authorize low stakes cash prizes for organizations conducting duck race, frog race or traditional raffles … Such prizes have been allowed for cow-chip raffles since they were authorized in 1991, without any regulatory issues. We are pleased to support this proposal which would be helpful to many nonprofit organizations… while not compromising the Division's ability to ensure the integrity of the activity.

[Notes on Division's support of provisions incorporated from other bills in substitute language: HB 5479—allowing use of sheet tickets (supplied by the Division) for teacup raffles would allow participants to complete only one coupon rather than 20 or more, giving organizations an easier and more productive way to raise needed funds through these raffles. HB 5481—would provide for in-state oversight of bingo product manufacturers and dealers through the registration requirement, treating them and their products the same as bazaar and equipment dealers are currently treated under the law, and ensuring the integrity of authorized activity in a fair and uniform manner. HB 5482—similar to 5481, but for registration of sealed ticket dispensing machine manufacturers and dealers.]

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Speaker of the House, James Amann: Supports the bill. Raffles create essential financial resources and support for nonprofit organizations, civic and religious groups, and youth athletic teams. Also requests that the committee support an amendment (acceptable to the Division of Special Revenue) that would allow qualifying organizations to conduct special tuition raffles to fund some or all of a student recipient's higher education costs.

Barbara Griffin, President of Lauralton Hall (Catholic girls' college prep school in Milford, CT): Supports amendment that would allow qualified organizations to conduct tuition raffles—the prize would be all or a portion of the winner or student recipient's education costs for up to four years at an accredited parochial or private school.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

none

No agency or member of the public spoke in support of or in opposition to the 3 bills from which provisions were adopted as substitute language in HB 5486.