Source: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=SB442%20SUB1.htm&yr=2005&sesstype=RS&i=442
Timestamp: 2018-03-23 07:58:02
Document Index: 783901061

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SB442 SUB1 Senate Bill 442 History
SB442 SUB1
(By Senators McKenzie, Kessler, Edgell, Facemyer and Lanham)
A BILL to amend and reenact §29-22-18 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new article, designated §29-22C-1, §29-22C-2, §29-22C-3, §29-22C-4, §29-22C-5, §29-22C-6, §29-22C-7, §29-22C-8, §29-22C-9, §29-22C-10, §29-22C-11, §29-22C-12, §29-22C-13, §29-22C-14, §29-22C-15, §29-22C-16, §29-22C-17, §29-22C-18, §29-22C-19, §29-22C-20, §29-22C-21, §29-22C-22, §29-22C-23, §29-22C-24, §29-22C-25, §29-22C-26, §29-22C-27, §29-22C-28, §29-22C-29, §29-22C-30, §29-22C-31, §29-22C-32, §29-22C-33 §29-22C-34 and §29-22C-35, all relating generally to authorizing table games at licensed horse and dog racetracks and providing therefor; providing for legislative findings and intent; requiring local option elections to approve licensure of authorized table games at racetrack facilities; defining certain terms; providing for duties and powers and administrative expenses of the State Lottery Commission; appointment of Lottery Commission staff; adoption and proposal of rules; providing for licenses to engage in activities related to operation of authorized table games at racetrack facilities; qualifications for applicant for license to operate authorized table games at a racetrack facility; floor plan requirements; coordination of licensed activities; license application requirements; racetrack table games licensee qualifications; license fees; requirement for surety bond; issuance of licenses and prohibiting transfer, assignment, sale or pledge as collateral; audits and reports of licensee; duties of racetrack table games licensees; requirements for supplier licensees; requirements for license for employees of operator of racetrack with authorized table games; requirements for management services provider license; prohibition of false statements on application for license; grounds for denial, revocation or suspension of license; hearing procedures; expiration and renewal of licenses; renewal fees; information included on license; display and availability of license; notice of change of address; promulgation of legislative and emergency rules; commission approval of table games rules of play; determination of betting limits, operations and services by racetrack licensee; posting of betting limits; standards for offering complimentary goods and services; contract agreements and cost for law-enforcement services; warrantless searches of person and property; imposing privilege tax on adjusted gross receipts of racetrack with authorized table games; payment by racetrack licensee and Lottery Commission into the Compulsive Gambling Treatment Fund and to the state Racing Commission on behalf of all employees of the Licensed Racing Association; providing for filing and payment of taxes; creating State Racetrack Table Games Fund; distribution of amounts in Fund; prohibited wagers and other activities; prohibiting wagers by certain persons; establishing criminal offenses and penalties; forfeiture of certain property; providing civil penalties; preemption of certain local laws and rules; exemption from certain federal laws relating to shipment of gambling devices; and severability.
That §29-22-18 the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted; and that said code be amended by adding thereto a new article, designated §29-22C-1, §29-22C-2, §29-22C-3, §29-22C-4, §29-22C-5, §29-22C-6, §29-22C-7, §29-22C-8, §29-22C-9, §29-22C-10, §29-22C-11, §29-22C-12, §29-22C-13, §29-22C-14, §29-22C-15, §29-22C-16, §29-22C-17, §29-22C-18, §29-22C-19, §29-22C-20, §29-22C-21, §29-22C-22, §29-22C-23, §29-22C-24, §29-22C-25, §29-22C-26, §29-22C-27, §29-22C-28, §29-22C-29, §29-22C-30, §29-22C-31, §29-22C-32, §29-22C-33, §29-22C-34 and §29- 22C-35, all to read as follows:
(d) Not more than fifteen percent of the gross amount received from each lottery may be allocated to and may be disbursed as necessary for fund operation and administration expenses: Provided, That for the period beginning the first day of January, two thousand two through the thirtieth day of June, two thousand three the month following the first passage of a referendum election held pursuant to section seven, article twenty-two-c of this chapter and for eighteen months thereafter, not more than seventeen percent of the gross amount received from each lottery shall be allocated to and may be disbursed as necessary for fund operation and administration expenses.
When the school improvement bonds, secured by profits from the lottery and deposited in the school debt service fund mature, the profits shall become available for debt service on additional school improvement bonds as a first priority from the net profits of the lottery or may at the discretion of the authority be placed into the School Construction Fund created pursuant to the provisions of section six, article nine-d, chapter eighteen of this code.
When the bonds, secured by profits from the lottery and deposited in the Education, Arts, Sciences and Tourism Debt Service Fund mature, the profits shall become available for debt service on additional bonds as a second priority from the net profits of the lottery.
(j) There is hereby continued a special revenue fund in the State Treasury which shall be designated and known as the "Lottery Senior Citizens Fund." The fund shall consist of the amounts allocated pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, which amounts shall be deposited into the Lottery Senior Citizens Fund by the State Treasurer. The Lottery Senior Citizens Fund shall also consist of all interest earned from investment of the Lottery Senior Citizens Fund and any other appropriations, gifts, grants, contributions or moneys received by the Lottery Senior Citizens Fund from any source. The revenues received or earned by the Lottery Senior Citizens Fund shall be distributed in the manner provided below and may not be treated by the Auditor or Treasurer as part of the general revenue of the state. Annually, the Legislature shall appropriate the revenues received or earned by the Lottery Senior Citizens Fund to such senior citizens medical care and other programs as it considers beneficial to the citizens of this state.
ARTICLE 22C. RACETRACK LOTTERY TABLE GAMES ACT.
This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Racetrack Lottery Table Games Act".
§29-22C-2. Authorization of table games at licensed racetrack facilities; legislative findings and declarations.
(a) Operation of authorized table games. -- Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the operation of authorized table games and ancillary activities at a licensed racetrack and the playing of those authorized table games at a licensed racetrack is not unlawful when conducted in accordance with the provisions of this article and rules of the Commission.
(b) Legislative findings and declarations. --
(1) The Legislature finds and declares that the tourism industry plays a critical role in the economy of this state and that a substantial state interest exists in protecting that industry. It further finds and declares that the authorization of the operation of table games, pursuant to this article, at the four existing racetracks in this state that hold racetrack video lottery licenses will protect and preserve existing lottery and video lottery revenues of this state, will protect and enhance the tourism industry in this state, and will indirectly benefit other segments of the economy of this state.
(2) The Legislature further finds and declares that the state can control and regulate the operation of authorized table games under this article if the state limits the operation of authorized table games to the four existing racetracks in this state that hold racetrack video lottery licenses issued by the State Lottery Commission pursuant to article twenty-two-a of this chapter.
(3) The Legislature further finds and declares that permitting the operation of the authorized table games in accordance with the provisions of this article at racetracks licensed under article twenty-two-a of this chapter to operate video lottery terminals constitutes the operation of lottery games owned, controlled, operated, and regulated by the State of West Virginia within the purview of section thirty-six, article VI of the Constitution of this state.
(1) The Legislature declares that permitting the operation of authorized table games at licensed racetracks in accordance with the provisions of this article is intended to enhance the tourism market throughout the state, including, but not limited to, year-round recreational and tourism locations in the state.
(2) The Legislature further declares that permitting the operation of authorized table games at licensed racetracks in accordance with the provisions of this article is intended to preserve and protect existing racetrack video lottery revenues to the state.
(3) The Legislature further declares that permitting the operation of authorized table games at licensed racetracks in accordance with the provisions of this article is intended to provide broad economic opportunities to the citizens of the state, including the creation of a significant number of year-round employment opportunities.
(4) The Legislature further declares that permitting the operation of authorized table games at licensed racetracks in accordance with the provisions of this article is intended to positively assist the state's racing industry and support programs intended to foster and promote horse and dog racing and breeding.
(1) "Adjusted gross receipts" means gross receipts from authorized table games less winnings paid to patrons wagering on the racetrack's table games.
(4) "Authorized table game" means any game played with cards, dice or any mechanical, electromechanical or electronic device or machine for money, credit or any representative of value, including, but not limited to, baccarat, blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, wheel of fortune, any variation of these games approved by the Commission, and any other game expressly authorized by interpretive rule of the Commission, including multiplayer electronic table games, machines and devices, but excluding video lottery, punchboards, faro, numbers tickets, push cards, jar tickets, pull tabs or similar games.
(5) "Background investigation" means a security, criminal and credit investigation of an applicant who has applied for the issuance or renewal of a license pursuant to this article, or a licensee who holds a current license.
(6) "Commission" or "State Lottery Commission" means the West Virginia Lottery Commission created by article twenty-two of this chapter.
(7) "Complimentary" means a service or item provided at no cost or at a reduced price.
(8) "Compensation" means any money, thing of value, or financial benefit conferred or received by a person in return for services rendered, or to be rendered, whether by that person or another.
(9) "Contested case" means a proceeding before the Commission, or a hearing examiner designated by the Commission to hear the contested case, in which the legal rights, duties, interests or privileges of specific persons are required by law or constitutional right to be determined after a Commission hearing, but does not include cases in which the Commission issues a license, permit or certificate after an examination to test the knowledge or ability of the applicant where the controversy concerns whether the examination was fair or whether the applicant passed the examination and does not include rule making.
(10) "Control" means the authority directly or indirectly to direct the management and policies of an applicant for a license issued under this article or the holder of a license issued under this article.
(11) "Designated gaming area" means one or more specific floor areas of a licensed racetrack within which the Commission has authorized operation of racetrack video lottery terminals or table games, or the operation of both racetrack video lottery terminals and table games.
(12) "Director" means the Director of the West Virginia State Lottery Commission appointed pursuant to section six article twenty-two of this chapter.
(13) "Disciplinary action" is an action by the Commission suspending or revoking a license, fining, excluding, reprimanding, or otherwise penalizing a person for violating this article or rules promulgated by the Commission.
(14) "Financial interest" or "financially interested" means any interest in investments, awarding of contracts, grants, loans, purchases, leases, sales, or similar matters under consideration or consummation by the Commission. A member, employee, or agent of the Commission will be considered to have a financial interest in a matter under consideration if any of the following circumstances exist:
(15) "Gaming equipment" means gaming tables, cards, dice, chips, shufflers, drop boxes or any other mechanical, electronic or other device, mechanism or equipment or related supplies used or consumed in the operation of any authorized table game at a licensed racetrack.
(16) "Gross receipts" means the total of all sums including valid or invalid checks, currency, tokens, coupons, vouchers, or instruments of monetary value whether collected or uncollected, received by a racetrack with table games from table gaming, including all entry fees assessed for tournaments or other contests.
(17) "Indirect ownership" means an interest a person owns in an entity or in property solely as a result of application of constructive ownership rules without regard to any direct ownership interest (or other beneficial interest) in the entity or property. "Indirect ownership" shall be determined under the same rules applicable to determining whether a gain or loss between related parties is recognized for federal income tax purposes.
(18) "Licensed racetrack" means a thoroughbred horse or greyhound dog racing facility licensed under both article twenty- two-a of this chapter and article twenty-three, chapter nineteen of this code.
(19) "License" means any license applied for or issued by the Commission under this article, including, but not limited to:
(A) A license to operate authorized table games at a licensed racetrack;
(C) A license to be employed at a racetrack licensed under this article to operate authorized table games when the employee works in a designated gaming area that has table games or performs duties in furtherance of or associated with the operation of table games at the licensed racetrack; and
(20) "Licensee" means any person who is licensed under any provision of this article.
(21) "Lottery" means the public gaming systems or games regulated, controlled, owned and operated by the State Lottery Commission as provided in this article and in articles twenty-two, twenty-two-a, twenty-two-b and twenty-five of this chapter.
(22) "Member" means a Commission member appointed to the West Virginia Lottery Commission under article twenty-two of this chapter.
(23) "National criminal history background check system" means the criminal history record system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation based on fingerprint identification or any other method of positive identification.
(24) "Own" means any beneficial or proprietary interest in any property and includes, but is not limited to, any direct or indirect beneficial or proprietary interest in any business of an applicant or licensee.
(25) "Person" means any natural person, and any corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, trust or other entity, regardless of its form, structure or nature other than a government agency or instrumentality.
(26) "Player", "Patron" or "Wagerer" means a person who plays an authorized game at a racetrack licensed under this article to have table games.
(27) "Player's account" means a financial record established by a licensed racetrack for an individual racetrack patron to which the racetrack may credit winnings and other amounts due to the racetrack patron and from which the patron may withdraw moneys due to the patron for purchase of tokens, chips or electronic media or other purposes.
(28) "Racetrack table games license" means authorization granted under this article by the Commission to a racetrack that is already licensed under article twenty-two-a of this chapter to operate racetrack video lottery terminals, which permits the racetrack to operate authorized table games in one or more designated gaming areas in one or more buildings owned by the licensed racetrack on the grounds where live pari-mutuel racing is conducted by the licensee.
(29) "Racetrack Table Games Fund" means the special fund in the State Treasury created in section twenty-seven of this article.
(30) "Significant influence" means the capacity of a person to affect substantially (but not control) either, or both, of the financial and operating policies of another person.
(31) "Supplier" means a person who the Commission has identified under rules promulgated by the Commission as requiring a license to provide a racetrack table games licensee with goods or services to be used in connection with operation of table games.
(32) "Wager" means a sum of money or thing of value risked on an uncertain occurrence.
(33) "Winnings" means the total cash value of all property or sums including currency, tokens, or instruments of monetary value paid to players as a direct result of wagers placed at or through authorized table games.
(2) Approve, modify or reject rules proposed by the licensee for all authorized table games proposed to be operated by a racetrack table games licensee;
(3) Approve, modify or reject minimum internal control standards proposed by the licensee governing racetrack table game operations, including the maintenance of financial records;
(4) Approve staff deemed necessary by the Director to oversee, inspect and monitor the operation of table games at any racetrack licensed under this article and article twenty-two-a of this chapter, including, but not limited to, inspection of designated gaming areas, gaming equipment and security equipment used in the operation of table games to assure continuous compliance with the provisions of this article and applicable rules of the Commission;
(5) Determine eligibility of a person to hold or continue to hold a license issued under this article;
(6) Issue all licenses;
(7) Maintain a record of all licenses issued;
(8) Levy and collect the taxes imposed by this article and the fees authorized, required or specified in this article or the legislative rules of the Commission, and receive, accept and pay all taxes and fees collected under this article into the Racetrack Table Games Fund; and
(9) Keep a public record of all Commission actions and proceedings with respect to racetrack table games.
(b) Powers. -- In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this article or in articles twenty-two, twenty-two-a, twenty-two-b and twenty-five of this chapter, the Commission has the following powers:
(1) To sue to enforce any provision of this article or any rule of the Commission, whether by civil action or petition for injunctive relief;
(2) To hold hearings, administer oaths and issue subpoenas for attendance of witnesses to testify or subpoena duces tecums for the production of documents or other evidence;
(3) To enter a licensed racetrack with authorized table games at any time and without notice to ensure strict compliance with this article and with the rules of the Commission;
(4) To bar, for cause, any person from:
(B) participating in any capacity in the play of any table game, or in the operation of table games;
(5) To promulgate, in accordance with the provision of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, any legislative, interpretive and procedural rules the Commission deems necessary for the successful implementation, administration and enforcement of this article, and to amend or revoke any promulgated rule, in accordance with provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, at the discretion of the Commission; and
(6) To exercise any other powers that may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article and the rules of the Commission.
(a) The Director, with the approval of the Commission, may appoint any professional, clerical, technical and administrative personnel, who shall be state employees hired in accordance with article six, chapter twenty-nine of this code, which the Director deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this article. Prior to his or her appointment, each applicant for a position shall provide his or her fingerprints and shall undergo a thorough background investigation, including a credit check and a check of criminal records.
(b) No Commission employee may directly or indirectly hold an ownership or a financial interest in any racetrack table game licensee, or a supplier licensee, or in a holding company that owns the licensee, or in a business related to the licensee for federal income tax purposes, or in an applicant for either license.
(c) No Commission employee shall knowingly wager or be paid any prize from any wager at any licensed racetrack with authorized table games within this state or at any facility outside this state or this country that is directly or indirectly owned or operated:
(1) By a racetrack table games licensee that is licensed pursuant to this article, or
(2) By any person who directly or indirectly owns the racetrack table games licensee.
(a) No person may engage in any activity in connection with a racetrack with authorized table games in this state for which a license is required by this article or rules of the Commission unless all necessary licenses and approval thereof have been obtained in accordance with this article and rules of the Commission.
(1) For any person owning or operating a racetrack authorized table game in the state;
(3) For any individual employed by a racetrack table games licensee in connection with the operation of authorized table games in the state; and
(c) No license may be granted to an applicant until the Commission determines that each person who has control of the applicant also meets all of the qualifications the applicant must meet to hold the license for which application is made. The following persons are considered to have control of an applicant:
(a) No racetrack may be licensed under this article to operate authorized table games until a local option election is held in the county in which pari-mutuel wagers are received at a racetrack licensed under article twenty-three, chapter nineteen of this code and the voters of that county voting on the question approve having authorized table games at the racetrack.
(c) The county commission of the county in which table games would be located shall give notice to the public of the election by publication of the notice as a Class II-0 legal advertisement in compliance with the provisions of article three, chapter fifty-nine of this code, and the publication area for the publication shall be the county in which the election is to be held. The date of the last publication of the notice shall fall on a date within the period of the fourteen consecutive days next preceding the day of the election.
Shall West Virginia Lottery Commission authorized table games be permitted at the [name of licensed racetrack]?
(e) The local option election shall be held in conjunction with the next primary or general election scheduled more than ninety days following receipt by the county commission of the notice required by this section, or at a special election: Provided, That upon written request by the licensed racetrack that a special election be called, the county commission shall order a special election to be held on the question within ninety days after the receipt by the county commission of that request: Provided, however, That the county commission may require the licensed racetrack to pay the entire cost incurred by the county to hold the special election. Approval shall be by a majority of the voters casting votes at the election on the question of approval or disapproval of authorized table games at a licensed racetrack.
(g) If the majority votes for allowing authorized table games at a licensed racetrack facility in a county, no further election shall thereafter be held in that county on that issue or on the issue of authorization of racetrack video lottery pursuant to section eight, article twenty-two-a of this chapter.
§29-22C-8. License to operate a racetrack with authorized table games.
(a) Racetrack table games licenses. -- The Commission may issue up to four racetrack table games licenses to operate authorized table games in accordance with the provisions of this article. The Legislature intends that no more than four licenses to operate a racetrack with authorized table games in this state shall be permitted in any event.
(b) Eligibility. -- A person is eligible to apply for a racetrack table games license if that person holds a valid racetrack video lottery license issued by the Commission pursuant to article twenty-two-a of this chapter.
(c) Location. -- A racetrack table games license authorizes the operation of authorized table games at the particular licensed facility identified in the racetrack video lottery license issued pursuant to article twenty-two-a of this chapter.
(d) Floor plan submission requirement. -- Prior to commencing the operation of any table games in a designated gaming area, a racetrack table games licensee shall submit to the Commission for its approval a detailed floor plan depicting the location of the designated gaming area in which table games will be located and its proposed arrangement of the table games. Any floor plan submission that satisfies the requirements of the rules promulgated by the Commission shall be deemed approved by the Commission unless the racetrack table games licensee is notified in writing to the contrary within one month of filing a detailed floor plan.
(1) Approval. -- A racetrack table games licensee may not enter into any management service contract that would act to permit any person other than the licensee to operate authorized table games unless the management service contract is: (A) With a person licensed under this article to provide management services; (B) is in writing; and (C) the contract has been approved by the Commission.
(2) Material change. -- Any material change in a management service contract previously approved by the Commission must be submitted to the Commission for its approval or rejection before the material change may take effect.
(4) Other Commission approvals and licenses. -- The duties and responsibilities of a management services provider under a management services contract may not be assigned, delegated, subcontracted or transferred to a third party to perform without the prior approval of the Commission. Third parties must be licensed under this article before providing service. The Commission may by rule clarify application of this subdivision and provide exceptions to its application.
(f) Coordination of licensed activities. -- In order to co-ordinate various licensed activities within racetrack facilities, the following provisions shall apply to licensed racetrack facilities:
(1) The provisions of this article and of article twenty-two-a of this chapter shall be interpreted to allow table games and video lottery operations under those articles to be harmoniously conducted in the same designated gaming area.
(2) On the effective date of this article, the provisions of section twenty-one of this article shall apply to all video lottery games conducted within a racetrack facility, notwithstanding any inconsistent provisions contained in article twenty-two-a of this chapter.
(3) On and after the effective date of this article, beverages regulated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner, pursuant to chapter sixty and article sixteen of chapter eleven of this code, may be sold throughout the hours of operation of a racetrack facility, and vacation of the premises after service of beverages ceases is not required, notwithstanding any inconsistent provisions of this code or inconsistent rules promulgated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner with respect to hours of sale of those beverages, or required vacation of the premises.
(1) An initial racetrack table games license fee of twenty-five thousand dollars shall be paid to the Commission at the time of issuance of the racetrack table games license, regardless of the number of months remaining in the license year for which it is issued. All licenses shall expire at the end of the day on the thirtieth day of June each year.
(A) Successfully renews its racetrack video lottery license under article twenty-two-a of this chapter before said first day of July;
(B) Pays to the Commission the annual license renewal fee of twenty-five thousand dollars required by this section at the time it files its application for renewal of its license under article twenty-two-a of this chapter; and
(C) During the then current license year, the licensee complied with all provisions of this article, all rules adopted by the Commission and all final orders of the Commission applicable to the licensee.
(3) If the licensee fails to apply to renew its license under article twenty-two-a of this code until after the license expires, the Commission shall renew its license under this article at the time it renews its license under article twenty-two-a of this chapter provided the licensee has paid the annual license fee required by this section and during the preceding license year the licensee complied with all provisions of this article, all rules adopted by the Commission and all final orders of the Commission applicable to the licensee.
(h) Facility qualifications. -- A racetrack table games licensee shall demonstrate that the racetrack with authorized table games will: (1) Be accessible to disabled individuals in accordance with applicable federal and state laws; (2) be licensed in accordance with this article, and all other applicable federal, state and local laws; and (3) meet any other qualifications specified in rules adopted by the Commission.
(3) With a surety approved by the Commission who is licensed to write surety insurance in this state.
The bond shall remain in effect during the term of the license and may not be canceled by a surety on less than thirty days' notice in writing to the Commission. The total and aggregate liability of the surety on the bond is limited to the amount specified in the bond.
(j) Authorization. -- A racetrack table games license authorizes the licensee to operate an unlimited amount of authorized table games while the license is active, subject to subsection (d) of this section. Licenses to operate authorized table games and to operate video lottery games at a licensed racetrack shall continue, notwithstanding a licensee's failure to meet the requirements of subdivision six, subsection (a), section seven, article twenty-two-a of this chapter. A racetrack table games license is not transferable or assignable and cannot be sold or pledged as collateral.
§29-22C-9. Duties of racetrack table games licensee.
(1) Promptly report to the Commission any facts or circumstances related to the operation of a racetrack with authorized table games which constitute a violation of state or federal law;
(2) Conduct all table games activities and functions in a manner which does not pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare of the citizens of this state, and which does not adversely affect the security or integrity of the operation of authorized table games;
(3) Hold the Commission and this state harmless from and defend and pay for the defense of any and all claims which may be asserted against a racetrack licensee, the Commission, the state or employees thereof, arising from the licensee's participation in table games authorized under this article;
(6) Upon request by the Commission, provide the Commission access to all records and the physical premises where the licensee's table games activities and related activities occur, for the purpose of monitoring or inspecting the licensee's activities and the table games, gaming equipment and security equipment; and
(b) Specific. -- The specific duties required of all racetrack table games licensees are as follows:
(1) Acquire table games and gaming equipment by purchase, lease or other assignment and provide a secure location for the placement, operation and play of the table games and gaming equipment;
(2) Permit no person to tamper with or interfere with the operation of any authorized table game;
(3) Ensure that authorized table games are within the sight and control of designated employees of the licensed racetrack with authorized table games and under continuous observation by security equipment in conformity to specifications and requirements of the Commission;
(4) Ensure that authorized table games are placed and remain placed in the specific locations within designated gaming areas at the licensed racetrack which have been approved by the Commission. Authorized table games at a licensed racetrack shall only be relocated in accordance with the rules of the Commission;
(6) Install, post and display conspicuously at locations within or about the licensed racetrack with authorized table games, signs, redemption information and other promotional material as required by the Commission; and
(7) Assume liability for lost or stolen money from any table game.
§29-22C-10. Reports by a racetrack table games licensee.
A racetrack table games licensee shall maintain daily records showing the gross receipts and adjusted gross receipts of the racetrack from authorized table games and shall timely file with the Commission any additional reports required by rule promulgated by the Commission, or as may be required by other provisions of this code.
§29-22C-11. License to supply a racetrack with gaming equipment or services.
(b) License qualifications. -- Each applicant who is an individual and each individual who controls an applicant, as defined in subsection (c) section six of this article, shall be of good moral character, honesty and integrity, and shall have the necessary experience and financial ability to successfully carry out the functions of an authorized table games supplier. The Commission may adopt rules establishing additional requirements for an authorized table games supplier. The Commission may accept licensing by another jurisdiction, specifically determined by the Commission to have similar licensing requirements, as evidence the applicant meets authorized table games supplier licensing requirements.
(3) Pay to the Commission a nonrefundable application and license fee for deposit into the Racetrack Table Games Fund in the amount of one hundred dollars, which shall be in lieu of the first year's license fee provided below.
(e) Authorization. -- A license to supply a racetrack table games licensee authorizes the licensee to sell or lease gaming equipment or offer services to a racetrack with authorized table games while the license is active. The Commission may by rule establish the conditions which shall constitute an emergency under which the Commission may issue provisional licenses pending completion of final action on an application.
(f) Inventory. -- A licensed table games supplier shall submit to the Commission a list of all gaming equipment and services sold, delivered to or offered to a racetrack with authorized table games in this state when required by the Commission.
(g) Fees, expiration date and renewal. -- A licensed table games supplier shall pay to the Commission an annual license fee of one hundred dollars for an initial term beginning prior to the date of the supplier's first sale to a racetrack table games licensee and continuing through the end of the twelfth month thereafter whenever the licensee has paid the renewal fee and has continued to comply with all applicable statutory and rule requirements. The Commission shall renew a license to supply a racetrack with authorized table games annually thereafter. A racetrack table games licensee may continue to use supplies acquired from a licensed table games supplier while that supplier was licensed, notwithstanding the expiration of the supplier's license, unless the Commission finds a defect in those gaming supplies.
§29-22C-12. License to be employed in a racetrack with authorized table games.
(b) License qualifications. -- To qualify for a license to be employed in the operation of racetrack table games, the applicant shall be an individual of good moral character, honesty and integrity, and have been offered employment by the racetrack table games licensee contingent upon licensure pursuant to the provisions of this section. The Commission by rule may establish different specific requirements for each job classification that may be created by the Commission to recognize the extent to which a particular job classification has the ability to impact the proper operation of table games.
(c) License application requirements. -- An applicant for a license to be employed by a racetrack with authorized table games in a position or to perform duties for which a license is required under this article or rules of the Commission shall:
(1) Submit an application to the Commission in the form the Commission requires for each job classification including adequate information to serve as a basis for a thorough background check;
(3) Pay to the Commission a nonrefundable application fee for deposit into the Racetrack Table Games Fund in the amount of one hundred dollars, which fee may be paid on behalf of applicant by the employer.
(d) Authorization. -- A license to be employed by a racetrack with authorized table games permits the licensee to be employed in the capacity designated by the Commission with respect to the license while the license is still active.
(e) Renewal fee and form. -- Each licensed employee shall pay to the Commission an annual license fee by the thirtieth day of June of each year set by the Commission by rule. The fee may vary based on the job classification of the applicant, but in no event shall exceed one hundred dollars. The fee may be paid on behalf of the licensed employee by the employer. In addition to a renewal fee, each licensed employee shall submit a renewal application on the form the Commission requires.
§29-22C-13. License to a provider of management services.
(b) License qualifications. -- Each applicant who is an individual and each individual who controls an applicant, as defined in subsection (c) section six of this article, shall be of good moral character, honesty and integrity, and shall have the necessary experience and financial ability to successfully carry out the functions of a management services provider. The Commission may adopt rules establishing additional requirements for an authorized management services provider. The Commission may accept licensing by another jurisdiction, specifically determined by the Commission to have similar licensing requirements, as evidence the applicant meets authorized management services provider licensing requirements.
(e) Authorization. -- A license to provide management services to a racetrack table games licensee authorizes the licensee to provide management services to a racetrack with authorized table games while the license is active. The Commission may by rule establish the conditions which shall constitute an emergency under which the Commission may issue provisional licenses pending completion of final action on an application.
(f) Fees, expiration date and renewal. -- A licensed provider of management services shall pay to the Commission an annual license fee of one hundred dollars for an initial term beginning prior to the date of the provider's first contract with a racetrack table games licensee and continuing through the end of the twelfth month thereafter whenever the licensee has paid the renewal fee and has continued to comply with all applicable statutory and rule requirements. The Commission shall renew a license to provide management services to a racetrack with authorized table games annually thereafter. A racetrack table games licensee may continue to use the management services provided by the management services provider while that provider was licensed, notwithstanding the expiration of the provider's license, unless the Commission finds with the services provided are not conforming to standards established by rule of the Commission and applicable state law.
§29-22C-14. License prohibitions.
(2) Has been suspended from operating a gambling game, gaming device or gaming operation, or had a license revoked in another jurisdiction by a board or other governmental authority of that jurisdiction having responsibility for the regulation of gambling or gaming activities;
(3) Has been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, a gambling-related offense, a theft or fraud offense, or has otherwise demonstrated, either by a police record or other satisfactory evidence, a lack of respect for law and order;
(b) In the case of an applicant for a license to supply a racetrack with authorized table games, the Commission may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke a license:
(3) If the applicant or licensee is a corporation, the sale of more than five percent of a licensee's voting stock, or more than five percent of the voting stock of a corporation which controls the licensee, or the sale of a licensee's assets, other than those bought and sold in the ordinary course of business, or any interest therein, to any person not already determined by the Commission to have met the qualifications of a licensee under this article may void the license.
(1) If the applicant or licensee knowingly employs an individual in a job classification which includes table games management duties who has been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, a gambling-related offense, or a theft or fraud offense under the laws of this state, another state, the United States or a territory of the United States or knowingly employs any individual in a job classification which includes table games management duties who has had a license relating to the operation of a gaming activity revoked by this state or any other state; or
(3) If the applicant or licensee is a corporation, the sale of more than five percent of a licensee's voting stock, or more than five percent of the voting stock of a corporation which controls the licensee or the sale of a licensee's assets, other than those bought and sold in the ordinary course of business, or any interest therein, to any person not already determined by the Commission to have met the qualifications of a licensee under this article may void the license unless the sale has been approved in advance by the Commission.
§29-22C-15. License denial, revocation, suspension and reprimand.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section twelve, subsection (b) of this article, the Commission may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee, or any person having control of the applicant or licensee:
(1) Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or another;
(4) Is convicted of a misdemeanor under the laws of this state, another state, the United States or a territory of the United States for gambling or gambling related activity.
(b) Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license, the Commission may impose a civil penalty under section thirty of this article.
§29-22C-16. Hearing procedures.
(b) Notice of hearing and right to counsel. -- The Commission shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with state law. The notice shall be sent to the person by certified mail addressed to the last known address of the person at least thirty days before the hearing. The person may be represented at the hearing by legal counsel.
§29-22C-17. Notice of license expiration and renewal.
§29-22C-18. Miscellaneous license provisions.
(b) Each racetrack table games licensee, licensed supplier of a racetrack with authorized table games or a licensed management services provider shall display the license conspicuously in its place of business or have the license readily available for inspection at the request of any agent of the Commission or of a state, local or municipal law-enforcement agency.
(c) Each holder of a license to be employed by a racetrack with authorized table games shall carry the license on his or her person at all times when present in a racetrack with authorized table games and, if required by rules adopted by the Commission with respect to the particular capacity in which the licensee is employed, have some indicia of licensure prominently displayed on his or her person in accordance with rules of the Commission.
(d) Each person licensed under this article shall give the Commission written notice of any change of address or any change of any other information provided in the licensee's application for a license or for renewal thereof, as soon as the effective date of the change is known to the licensee but not later than thirty days after the change occurs.
§29-22C-19. Emergency legislative rules.
(a) The Commission shall propose for promulgation legislative rules in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, as the Commission deems necessary to provide for the successful implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this article.
(b) Any rule proposed by the Commission before the first day of September, two thousand five, may be promulgated as an emergency rule, which shall be effective when notice of the emergency rule is filed in the state register published by the Secretary of State.
§29-22C-20. Game rules of play.
(a) Each racetrack licensed to operate table games shall have written rules of play for each table game it operates that are approved by the Commission before the table game is offered to the public. Rules of play proposed by a racetrack table games licensee may be approved, amended or rejected by the Commission.
(b) All authorized table games shall be conducted according to the specific rules of play approved by the Commission. All wagers and pay-offs of winning wagers shall be made according to those rules of play, which shall establish such limitations as may be necessary to assure the vitality of table games operations.
(c) Each racetrack table game licensee shall make available in printed form to any patron, upon request of the patron, the complete text of the rules of play of any authorized table game in operation at its racetrack facility, pay-offs of winning wagers, and such other advice to the player as the Commission may require.
(a) A racetrack licensee may, in the exercise of its business judgment, determine and establish the following:
(2) Advertising and promotional activities, and the offering of complimentaries to players, subject to the standards provided in section twenty-three of this article and rules of the Commission;
(5) Currency denominations accepted by any mechanical
or electronic bill acceptors.
(b) The Commission may establish the following parameters for any situation or for any Commission regulated game played at a licensed racetrack:
(3) Limitations on the types and sizes of financial transactions a racetrack can enter into with its patrons.
A racetrack table game licensee shall conspicuously post a sign at each authorized table game indicating the permissible minimum and maximum wagers pertaining thereto. A racetrack table games licensee may not require any wager to be greater than the stated minimum or less than the stated maximum. However, any wager actually made by a patron and not rejected by a racetrack table games licensee prior to the commencement of play shall be treated as a valid wager.
§29-22C-23. Complimentaries.
(a) No racetrack table games licensee shall offer or provide any complimentary service, gift, cash or other item of value to any person unless:
(1) The complimentary consists of room, food, beverage or entertainment expenses provided directly to the patron and his or her guests by the racetrack table games licensee or indirectly to the patron and his or her guests on behalf of the licensee by a third party; or
(2) The complimentary consists of documented transportation expenses provided directly to the patron and his or her guests on behalf of a racetrack table games licensee by a third party, provided that the licensee complies with rules promulgated by the Commission to ensure that a patron's and his or her guests' documented transportation expenses are paid for or reimbursed only once; or
(3) The complimentary consists of coins, tokens, cash or other complimentary items or services provided through any complimentary distribution program the terms of which shall be filed with the Commission upon implementation of the program or maintained pursuant to Commission rule. Any change in the terms of a complimentary program shall be filed with the Commission upon implementation of the change.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a racetrack table games licensee may offer and provide complimentary cash or noncash gifts that are not otherwise included in subsection (a) of this section to any person: Provided, That any complimentary cash or noncash gifts in excess of an amount per trip to be set by interpretive rule of the Commission, are supported by documentation regarding the reason the gift was provided to the patron and his or her guests, including where applicable a patron's player rating, which documentation shall be maintained by a racetrack table games licensee in accordance with Commission rules. For purposes of this subsection, all gifts presented to a patron and a patron's guests directly by the racetrack table games licensee or indirectly on behalf of the licensee by a third party within any five-day period shall be considered to have been made during a single trip.
(a) Generally. -- Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the Commissioner may by contract or cooperative agreements with state law-enforcement agencies arrange for those law-enforcement services that are necessary to enforce the provisions of this article.
(b) Costs. -- The cost of services provided by a State Law-Enforcement Agency pursuant to a contract or cooperative agreement shall be paid from the Racetrack Table Games Fund.
(a) As a condition of licensure, to inspect or investigate for criminal violations of this article or violations of the rules promulgated by the Commission, the Commission's agents and the State Police shall each have the authority, without notice and without warrant:
(1) To inspect and examine all premises of the racetrack with authorized table games; or gaming devices; or the premises where gaming equipment is manufactured, sold, distributed, or serviced; or any premises wherein any records of such activities are prepared or maintained;
(2) To inspect any gaming equipment in, about, upon or around the premises of a racetrack with authorized table games;
(3) To seize summarily and remove from the premises and impound any gaming equipment for the purposes of examination, inspection or testing;
(4) To inspect, examine and audit all books, records, and documents pertaining to a racetrack table games licensee's operation;
(5) To summarily seize, impound or assume physical control of any book, record, ledger, table game, gaming equipment or device, cash box and its contents, counting room or its equipment, or racetrack table games operations; and
(6) To inspect the person, and the person's personal effects present on the grounds of a licensed racetrack with authorized table games, of any holder of a license issued pursuant to this article, while that person is present on the grounds of a licensed racetrack with authorized table games.
§29-22C-26. Tax on privilege of operating authorized table games.
(a) Imposition and rate of tax. -- For the privilege of holding a license under this article to operate table games, there is hereby levied and shall be collected from the racetrack table games licensee the annual privilege tax imposed by this section. The tax shall be twenty-three and one-half percent of the licensee's adjusted gross receipts from the operation of table games. For purposes of calculating the amount of tax due under this section, the licensee shall use the accrual method of accounting.
(1) The annual tax levied by subsection (a) of this section is due and payable in weekly installments on or before the Wednesday of the calendar week following the week in which the adjusted gross receipts were received and the tax accrued.
(2) In addition to the rate of tax imposed by subsection (a)of this section, each licensee shall make the following annual payments to the following funds:
(A) Each licensee shall pay in weekly installments the annual amount of sixty-two thousand five hundred dollars to the Commission for deposit into the Compulsive Gambling Treatment Fund created in section nineteen, article twenty-two-a of this chapter.
(B) Each licensee shall pay to the state Racing Commission in weekly installments the annual amount of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars to be paid for and on behalf of all employees of the Licensed Racing Association by making a deposit into a special fund to be established by the Racing Commission to be used for payment into the pension plan for all employees of the Licensed Racing Association.
(3) The racetrack table games licensee shall, on or before Wednesday of each week, make out and submit by electronic communication to the Commission, a return for the preceding week, in the form prescribed by the Commission, showing:
(A) The total gross receipts and adjusted gross receipts from operation of authorized table games during that week;
(C) Any additional information necessary in the computation and collection of the tax that the Commission may require.
(4) The amount of tax shown to be due on the return shall be remitted by electronic funds transfer simultaneously with the filing of the return. All payments received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Racetrack Table Games Fund.
(5) When adjusted gross receipts for a week is a negative number because the winnings paid to patrons wagering on the racetrack's table games exceeds the racetrack's gross receipts from the purchase of table game tokens, chips or electronic media by patrons, the Commission shall allow the licensee to, pursuant to rules of the Commission, carry over the negative amount of adjusted gross receipts to returns filed for subsequent weeks. The negative amount of adjusted gross receipts may not be carried back to an earlier week and the Commission shall not be required to refund any tax received by the Commission, except when the licensee surrenders its license to operate table games under this article and the licensee's last return filed under this section shows negative adjusted gross receipts. In this case, the Commission shall multiply the amount of negative adjusted gross receipts by the applicable rate of tax and pay the amount to the licensee, in accordance with rules of the Commission.
(1) With the exception of the ad valorem property tax collected under chapter eleven-a of this code, the tax imposed by this section is in lieu of all other state taxes and fees imposed on the operation of, or the proceeds from operation of, racetrack table games, except as otherwise provided in this section.
The consumers sales and services tax imposed pursuant to article fifteen, chapter eleven of this code, shall not apply to the licensee's gross receipts from any wagering on table games authorized pursuant to this article or to the licensee's purchase of gaming equipment, supplies or services directly used in operation of the table games authorized by this article. These purchases shall also be exempt from the use tax imposed by article fifteen-a, chapter eleven of this code.
(2) With the exception of the ad valorem property tax collected under chapter eleven-a of this code, the tax imposed by this section is in lieu of all local taxes and fees levied on or imposed with respect to the privilege of offering table games to the public, including, but not limited to, the municipal business and occupation taxes and amusement taxes authorized by article thirteen, chapter eight of this code, and the municipal sales and service tax and use taxes authorized by article thirteen-c, chapter eight of this code.
(d) Prohibition on credits. -- Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, no credit may be allowed against the tax imposed by this section or against any other tax imposed by any other provision of this code for any investment in gaming equipment, or for any investment in real property, or in improvements thereto, that is utilized in the operation of authorized table games.
§29-22C-27. Racetrack Table Games Fund.
(a) There is hereby created and established a special fund in the State Treasury to be known as the "Racetrack Table Games Fund." All moneys received by the Commission from licensees and applicants under this article, and all tax collected under this article shall be deposited with the State Treasurer and placed in the Racetrack Table Games Fund. The Fund shall be an interest bearing account with interest to be credited to and deposited in the Racetrack Table Games Fund.
(b) All expenses of the Commission incurred in the administration and enforcement of this article shall be paid from the Racetrack Table Games Fund, including reimbursement of state law-enforcement agencies for services performed at the request of the Commission pursuant to this article. At no time may the Commission's expenses associated with a particular racetrack with authorized table games under this article exceed fifteen percent of the total annual adjusted gross receipts received from that licensee's operation of table games under this article, including, but not limited to, all license fees or other amounts required to be deposited in the Racetrack Table Games Fund attributable to the licensees operation of table games under this article. These expenses shall either be allocated to the racetrack with authorized table games for which the expense is incurred, if practicable, or be treated as general expenses related to all racetrack table games facilities and be allocated pro rata among the racetrack table games facilities based on the ratio that annual adjusted gross receipts from operation of table games at each racetrack with authorized table games bears to total annual adjusted gross receipts from operation of table games at all racetracks with authorized table games during the fiscal year of the state. From this allowance, the Commission shall deposit two hundred fifty thousand dollars into the Compulsive Gambling Treatment Fund created in section nineteen, article twenty-two-a of this chapter. Also from this amount, the Commission shall pay for and on behalf of all employees of the Licensed Racing Association by making a deposit into a special fund to be established by the Racing Commission to be used for payment into the pension plan for all employees of the Licensed Racing Association.
(c) The unencumbered balance of the Racetrack Table Games Fund at the end of each fiscal year of the state shall be divided as follows:
(1) Eighty-six percent shall be paid into the General Revenue Fund to be appropriated by the Legislature;
(2) Eight percent shall be paid to the special funds established by each of the racetrack table games licensees for the payment of regular racetrack purses. The total amount under this subdivision shall be allocated pro rata to the special fund of each racetrack table games licensee based on adjusted gross receipts from each racetrack with authorized table games;
(3) Two percent shall be paid to the county where the authorized racetrack table games are located;
(4) Two percent shall be paid to municipalities located within the county where the authorized table games are located. The total amount under this subdivision shall be allocated pro rata to each municipality based on its population determined at the most recent United States decennial census of population: Provided, That when the municipality is physically located in two or more counties, only that portion of its population residing in the country where the authorized table games are located shall be considered;
(5) One-half percent shall be paid for and on behalf of all employees of the Licensed Racing Association by making a deposit into a special fund to be established by the racing Commission to be used for payment into the pension plan for all employees of the Licensed Racing Association; and
(6) One and one-half percent shall be paid to the Tourism Promotion Fund established in section nine, article one, chapter five-b of this code.
(a) A racetrack table games licensee may receive wagers only from an individual physically present in a designated gaming area at licensed racetrack with authorized table games.
(b) All racetracks with authorized table games shall use a method of wagering whereby the table game player's money for wagering on table games is, at the request of the player, converted to tokens, electronic cards or other electronic media, or chips at the table or elsewhere at the licensed racetrack.
(1) The tokens, electronic cards or other electronic media, or chips issued by a licensee racetrack with authorized table games can only be used for wagering at that racetrack.
(2) Wagering on table games may not be conducted with money or other negotiable currency, or with tokens, electronic cards or other electronic media, or chips not issued by the racetrack where the table games will be played.
(3) At the request of the player, the licensee shall convert a player's tokens, electronic cards or other electronic media, or chips back to money.
(4) The licensee may not charge a fee for converting a player's money to an acceptable media for play at a gaming table, or charge a fee for converting the acceptable media for wagering at a gaming table back to money.
(1) The licensee operates a table game without authority of the Commission to do so;
(2) The licensee operates an authorized table game in any location that is not a designated gaming area approved by the Commission;
(3) The licensee knowingly conducts, carries on, operates, or exposes for play, or allows to be conducted, carried on, operated or exposed for play any table game, or other device, equipment or material that has in any manner been tampered with, or placed in a condition, or operated in a manner, the result of which is designed to deceive the public;
(4) The licensee employs an individual in a position, or to perform duties, for which a license is required by this article or rules of the Commission and the employee does not have a license issued under the provisions of this article, or the licensee continues to employ the individual in a position, or to perform duties, for which a license is required by this article or rules of the Commission, after the employee's license expired, was revoked by the Commission or not renewed by the Commission;
(5) The licensee acts or employs another person to act as if he or she is not an agent or employee of the licensee in order to encourage participation in an authorized table game at the licensed racetrack;
(6) The licensee knowingly permits an individual under the age of twenty-one years of age to enter or remain in a designated gaming area or to play racetrack video lottery terminals or tables games at a licensed racetrack authorized under this article to operate table games; or
(7) The licensee exchanges tokens, chips, electronic media or other forms of credit to be used for wagering at a licensed racetrack authorized under this article to operate table games, for anything of value except in exchange for money or credits to a player's account.
(2) The person operates, carries on or exposes for play a table game prior to obtaining a license, or after the person's license has expired and prior to actual renewal of the license, or before the table game and the licensee's rules for play of the game are approved or modified and approved by the Commission; or
(1) The person offers, promises, or gives anything of value or benefit to a person who has an ownership or financial interest in, is employed by, or has a service contract with, a racetrack with authorized table games, or to that person's spouse or any dependent child or dependent parent, pursuant to an agreement or arrangement, in fact or implied from the circumstances, with intent that the promise or thing of value or benefit will influence the actions of the person in order to affect or attempt to affect the outcome of an authorized table game, or to influence official action of the Commission. For the purposes of this subdivision and subdivision (2) of this subsection, the term "person who is connected with a table games facility" includes, but is not limited to, a person licensed under this article as well as an officer or employee of a licensee;
(2) The person solicits or knowingly accepts or receives a promise of anything of value or benefit while the person is connected with a racetrack with authorized table games, pursuant to an understanding or arrangement in fact or implied from the circumstances, with the intent that the promise or thing of value or benefit will influence the actions of the person to affect or attempt to affect the outcome of an authorized table game, or to influence official action of the Commission; or
(3) The person uses, or possesses on property owned by the licensed racetrack, or on property contiguous thereto, with the intent to use, an electronic, electrical or mechanical device that is designed, constructed or programmed to assist the user or another person:
(A) In projecting the outcome of an authorized table game;
(C) In analyzing the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to an authorized table game;
(D) In analyzing the strategy for playing or betting to be used in an authorized table game, except as permitted in writing by the Commission; or
(E) In obtaining an advantage at playing any table game at a licensed racetrack authorized under this article to operate table games.
(4) The person cheats during play of an authorized table game at a licensed racetrack authorized under this article to operate table games;
(5) The person manufactures, sells, or distributes any card, chip, die, game or device, by whatever name called, that is intended by that person to be used to violate any provision of this article or the table gaming laws of any other state;
(6) The person instructs a person in cheating, or in the use of any card, chip, die or other device, by whatever name called, for the purpose of cheating, at any table game with the knowledge or intent that the information or use conveyed is to be employed to cheat during play of any table game authorized by this article or the play of any similar table gaming allowed under the laws of any other state;
(7) The person places a bet after unlawfully acquiring knowledge of the outcome of the authorized table game that is the subject of the bet, or aids a person in acquiring that knowledge for the purpose of placing a bet contingent on the outcome of a table game authorized under this article;
(8) The person claims, collects, takes, or attempts to claim, collect, or take anything of value into or from a racetrack with authorized table games, with intent to defraud, without having made a wager contingent on winning an authorized table game, or knowingly claims, collects or takes an amount of money or thing of value of greater value than the amount won;
(9) The person uses chips, electronic media or tokens that are counterfeit to place a wager at a racetrack with authorized table games;
(10) The person knowingly uses any medium to place a wager at a racetrack licensed under this article other than tokens, chips, electronic cards or other electronic media, or other method of credit approved by the Commission and issued by the racetrack licensed under this article at which the wager is placed on an authorized table game;
(11) The person, not a licensed racetrack under this article or an employee or agent of a racetrack licensed under this article acting in furtherance of the licensee's interest, has in his or her possession on grounds owned by the racetrack licensed under this article, or on grounds contiguous thereto, any device, by whatever name called, intended to be used to violate a provision of this article or a rule of the Commission implementing or explaining a provision of this article; or
(12) The person, not a licensee or employee or agent of a licensee acting in furtherance of the racetrack table games licensee's interests, has in his or her possession any key or device designed for the purpose of opening, entering or affecting the operation of an authorized table game, drop box or an electronic or mechanical device connected with or used in connection with an authorized table game in a licensed racetrack or for removing bills, tokens, chips or other contents therefrom.
(d) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars and committed to a state correctional facility for not more than six months, except that in the case of a person other than a natural person, the amount of the fine imposed may not be more than twenty- five thousand dollars.
(1) As a bribe intended to affect the outcome of an authorized table game in a licensed racetrack; or
(b) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the seizure and sale of items under the provisions of this section is not contemplated to be a forfeiture as that term is used in section 5, article XII of the West Virginia Constitution and, to the extent that a seizure and sale may be found to be such a forfeiture, the Legislature hereby finds and declares that the proceeds from a seizure and sale under this article are not part of net proceeds as the same is contemplated by section 5, article XII of the West Virginia Constitution.
(c) If the forfeited property includes the racetrack real property and all of its improvements and related personal property, the Commission is hereby authorized to take control of and operate the racetrack and all related functions until such time as the forfeited property is sold or is returned to the licensee as a result of due process proceedings.
(b) The provisions of article five, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code shall apply to any civil penalty imposed pursuant to the provisions of this section.
No local law or rule providing any penalty, disability, restriction, regulation or prohibition for operating a racetrack with authorized table games or supplying a licensed racetrack may be enacted, and the provisions of this article preempt all regulations, rules, ordinances and laws of any county or municipality in conflict with this article.
All shipments of gambling devices, including video lottery machines, to licensed racetracks in this state, the registering, recording, and labeling of which have been completed by the manufacturer or dealer thereof in accordance with chapter 1194, 64 Stat. 1134, 15 U.S.C. 1171 to 1178, are legal shipments of gambling devices into the State of West Virginia.
§29-22C-35. Severability.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is, subject to passage of local option elections on the issue, to authorize table games at licensed racetracks. This bill provides for state control, regulation and operation of these gaming activities at licensed racetracks.
Article twenty-two-c is new; therefore, strike-throughs and underscoring have been omitted.