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

OLR Research Report


January 22, 2007

  

2007-R-0120

QUESTIONS FOR GAMING POLICY BOARD NOMINEE

By: Veronica Rose, Principal Analyst

Zachary Schurin, Legislative Fellow

• 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 (CGS §§ 12-557d and 12-557e).

1. (NEW) What do you think are the major issues the board will face in the next few years?

2. (NEW) What do you see as the ideal relationship between the board and Division of Special Revenue?

3. (NEW) Are there any changes you would recommend to the legislature with regard to the board's mission or functions?

4. (NEW) Poker, especially on-line poker, is becoming increasingly popular. It has been described as one of the games of choice for college-aged students. Is there a problem in Connecticut? How should we address it?

5. (NEW) How should one measure the costs of problem gambling? What would you consider a comprehensive gambling treatment program for teenage gamblers?

6. How best can the state increase gambling revenue while minimizing the direct and indirect costs of gambling?

7. Legalized gambling represents one of the fastest growing sectors in the entertainment business nationwide. Do you believe that the board has the appropriate tools or sufficient authority to respond to this growth? What tools are appropriate? What state response is appropriate?

8. (NEW) Some people say the Connecticut Lottery Corporation is not subject to sufficient legislative oversight? What would you consider an optimum level?

9. What issues or trends are most likely to dominate the gambling industry in the next few years? What strategies should the state adopt to deal with them? What are the implications for Connecticut?

10. Despite questions over legal and security issues, gambling has come to the Internet. What are the most useful initiatives the legislature should pursue with regard to Internet gambling?

11. Some legislators have long argued for a constitutional amendment declaring the state's anti-gambling policy. Others view this policy as outdated. What do you think? What would you consider an appropriate state gambling policy?

12. In light of the success of Connecticut's two Indian casinos, what do you think about the idea of establishing an off-reservation casino in the state?

13. (NEW) What can the state do to alleviate the traffic concerns of the towns in the area of the two casinos?

VR/ZS: ts