OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 6287 (as amended by House “A”)*

AN ACT AUTHORIZING CASH PRIZES FOR BLOWER BALL GAMES.

SUMMARY:

This bill allows organizations authorized to conduct bazaars to award cash prizes of up to $ 50 for “blower ball games. ” Under current law, they may award cash prizes for frog-race, duck-race, and cow-chip raffles; other traditional raffles; and fifty-fifty coupon games.

The bill defines a “blower ball” game as a game of chance in which players wager on a color or number and winners are determined by the drawing of a colored or numbered ball from a mechanical ball blower that mixes ping pong balls with blown air.

*House Amendment “A” defines blower ball game.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Organizations that May Conduct Bazaars and Raffles

The law allows the following to conduct, operate, or sponsor bazaars or raffles if the town where they are located has adopted the Bazaar and Raffle Act: veterans,' religious, civic, fraternal, educational, and charitable organizations; volunteer fire companies; and political parties and their town committees. Raffles may also be promoted and conducted if sponsored by the town acting through a designated centennial, bicentennial, or other centennial celebration committee. To conduct a bazaar or raffle, an organization must have a local permit.

Only the sponsoring organization's qualified members age 18 or older may promote, operate, or work at bazaars and raffles. And people under age 16 may not sell or promote raffle tickets.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Safety and Security Committee

Joint Favorable

Planning and Development Committee

Joint Favorable