OLR Bill Analysis

HB 6358 (as amended by House “A”)*

AN ACT CONCERNING ADDITIONAL OFF-TRACK BETTING BRANCH FACILITIES.

SUMMARY:

This bill increases the number of off-track betting (OTB) facilities that may operate as simulcasting facilities (i. e. , to televise OTB programs), from 10 to 12 of the 18 currently authorized OTB facilities, and requires that one be in Milford and the other in Putnam.

By law, the location of OTB facilities must be approved by the Division of Special Revenue (DSR) and the legislative body of the town where the facility will be located. The bill (1) specifies that DSR must approve the addition of simulcasting to an existing OTB facility and (2) requires the legislative body of the town to approve the expansion as well.

*House Amendment “A” adds the provision on DSR and town approval of expanded simulcasting.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

OTB Facilities

By law, simulcasting facilities are OTB facilities authorized to (1) provide live television coverage of OTB programs and jai alai games and (2) have restaurants, concessions, and other amenities. Other OTB facilities have bench seating, public restrooms for patrons, and monitors for OTB information.

Currently, the 10 simulcasting facilities are located in: Windsor Locks (Bradley), Bridgeport, Bristol, East Haven, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk, Torrington, and Waterbury.

According to DSR, an OTB facility is scheduled to open in Milford shortly and another is planned for Putnam.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Safety and Security Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Planning and Development Committee

Joint Favorable