Opinion ID: 1253073
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Video Lottery in Other States

Text: Legislatures in other states, which have similar constitutional provisions, have enacted specific statutes authorizing video lottery games. [10] A good example is South Dakota. The exception to the prohibition against lotteries under the South Dakota Constitution is substantially the same as the exception found under our Constitution. [11] The South Dakota Legislature enacted statutes establishing and regulating video lottery operations. Specifically, the South Dakota Legislature: (1) set forth the requirements for licensed video lottery machines, S.D.Codified Laws Ann. § 42-7A-37 (1991); (2) placed restrictions on licensed establishments, S.D.Codified Laws Ann. § 42-7A-37.1 (Supp.1993); (3) established limits on the amount played and the awards given, S.D.Codified Laws Ann. § 42-7A-38 (1991); (4) required a background investigation of video lottery licensees, S.D.Codified Laws Ann. § 42-7A-43 (Supp.1993); (5) stated the rules for placement of video lottery machines in establishments, S.D.Codified Laws Ann. § 42-7A-44 (Supp.1993); (6) established criminal penalties for tampering with a video lottery machine and manipulating the outcome, payoff or operation of a video lottery machine, S.D.Codified Laws Ann. §§ 42-7A-46 and 42-7A-47 (1991); and (7) established the age limit and legal hours for the operation of video lottery machines, S.D.Codified Laws Ann. § 42-7A-48 (1991). [12] Similar statutory provisions authorizing video lottery games have been enacted by the Rhode Island General Assembly. The Constitution of Rhode Island provides an exception, comparable to the exceptions found under the Constitutions of South Dakota and West Virginia, to the general prohibition against lotteries. [13] The Rhode Island General Assembly enacted Chapter 61.2 of Volume 6C of the General Laws of Rhode Island. In addition to setting forth the powers and duties of the Lottery Commission with respect to video lotteries, R.I.Gen.Laws §§ 42-61.2-2 to 42-61.2-4 (Supp.1992), the General Assembly placed restrictions upon whom may play, R.I.Gen.Laws § 42-61.2-5 (Supp.1992), and when video lottery may be played, R.I.Gen.Laws § 42-61.2-6 (Supp.1992). The General Assembly also specified the allocation of the income derived from video lottery games, R.I.Gen.Laws § 42-61.2-7 (Supp.1992), and established penalties for tampering with or manipulating the outcome, payoff or operation of the video lottery terminal, R.I.Gen.Laws § 42-61.2-8 (Supp.1992). As a final example, we recognize the laws established in Oregon for the operation of video lottery. [14] While article XV, section 4 of the Oregon Constitution prohibits the operation of any lottery, it does create certain exceptions, including the operation of a staterun lottery by the Lottery Commission. The Oregon Legislative Assembly authorized the Lottery Commission to initiate games using video lottery devices, Or.Rev.Stat. § 461.215 (1991), placed limitations on the placement of video lottery terminals, Or.Rev.Stat. § 461.217(2) (1991), and specified the use of proceeds from video lottery games, Or.Rev.Stat. §§ 461.544 to 461.548 (1991). [15] The Oregon Legislative Assembly also enacted comprehensive laws for: (1) the operation of the lottery; (2) lottery game retailers, vendors and contractors; (3) lottery finances; and (4) prohibited conduct. Or.Rev.Stat. §§ 461.200 to 461.600 (1991).