- Introduced -

SB 902 - This act makes several modifications to the law relating to licensed gaming activities.

Any money used for gambling may be converted to electronic tokens as well as physical tokens.

In current law, lottery contractors or vendors must award at least 10% of subcontracts to minority business. This act extends that requirement until 2005.

Applicants for a license or renewal of a license to operate an excursion gambling boat must provide an affirmative action plan to achieve maximum employment of minorities and maximum procurement of goods and services from minority contractors.

This act extends the period of time between license renewals for excursion gambling boats from 2 years to between 2 and 3 years.

Gambling games and implements may be purchased from any vendor approved by the Gaming Commission instead of only licensed vendors. A licensed facility may not sell or give away gambling games or implements without the prior approval of the Gaming Commission.

This act clarifies the right of the Gaming Commission to deny a license to any person applying for a license or license renewal for failure to meet any of the standards set forth in section 313.812, RSMo.

The coverage provided by a surety bond posted by a licensed gaming facility is expanded to guarantee that a licensee will complete any proposed modifications to the facility within 4 years of August 28, 2000 or within a time period specified to the Gaming Commission. Failure to complete any proposed modifications to the facility may result in non-renewal of a gaming license.

In current law, a tax of 20% is imposed on the adjusted gross receipts of a licensed gambling facility. If the Gaming Commission has reason to believe that there may be some disparity between the amount due and the payment made by a licensee then the amount due may be adjusted to reflect the payment due as determined by the Commission. This act extends the amount of time available to a licensee to appeal the adjustment made by the Commission from 10 to 20 days.

This act prohibits anyone under 21 years of age from wagering at a licensed gaming facility. This act also prohibits assisting a person under 21 to make a wager, and permitting anyone under 21 to make a wager. Anyone violating this law for the first time is guilty of a class "B" misdemeanor. Second and subsequent offenses constitute a class "A" misdemeanor.

ELIZABETH BAX