Lawmakers in Utah approve measure targeting unconventional gambling machines to prohibit their operation
In a significant move to eliminate "fringe gambling," Utah legislators have passed a bill aimed at curbing the proliferation of slot machine-like games in convenience stores and other locations across the state. The bill, known as SB214, is now headed to Governor Gary Herbert for his signature or veto.
The bill, drafted by Senator Karen Mayne (D-West Valley City), targets any form of gambling offered by a business in Utah. Senator Mayne described these machines as a "cancer" that needs to be removed from Utah, stating they are more aggressive every day and can be found in mini-marts, laundromats, beauty salons, and other such establishments.
Layton City Attorney Gary Crane echoed these sentiments, stating that fringe gambling businesses are there solely to take money from those who can least afford it.
The bill aims to better differentiate between legal and illegal machines, specifically defining what a fringe gambling machine is. It also increases criminal penalties for the owners and operators of these machines.
During the House debate over the bill, many legislators referred to the issue as a scourge that needs to be extinguished from the state. Some legislators argue that fringe gambling machines disproportionately impact the poor.
Operators of these machines have engaged in lengthy legal battles in several states, including Hawaii and North Carolina. The bill passed by the Utah House on Wednesday and the state Senate on a final procedural vote early in the morning on Thursday, during the final day of the state's legislative session.
It's important to note that sweepstakes casinos are legal in most states, but they operate under specific conditions to avoid being classified as traditional gaming sites. They must remove one of the three elements that constitute a lottery: prize, consideration, or chance. This means that users cannot buy sweepstakes coins but can obtain them for free.
States like Washington, Michigan, and Montana have explicitly banned or restricted sweepstakes casinos. Idaho allows operations but prohibits cash prizes. Nevada restricts unlicensed platforms, and New Jersey has recently outlawed sweepstakes casinos. Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, and New York are among states considering legislation to either ban or regulate sweepstakes casinos. Indiana has seen bills to legalize online casinos, but they have not progressed. New Jersey has dismissed a lawsuit but is now regulating sweepstakes casinos.
The specific situation in Hawaii and North Carolina is not detailed in the available information. However, it is common for these states to have their own set of laws and regulations regarding gaming and sweepstakes, which might not be as restrictive as in states like Washington or Michigan.
As the bill awaits Governor Herbert's decision, the fight against fringe gambling in Utah continues. The bill, if signed into law, would mark a significant step in the state's efforts to protect its citizens from the potential harms associated with these machines.
[1] Sweepstakes casinos
[2] Legal status of sweepstakes casinos
[3] Regulation of sweepstakes casinos
[4] Sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey
[5] Legalization of online casinos in Indiana
- The bill, if signed into law, would further define fringe gambling machines in Utah, potentially leading to a stricter regulation of casino-and-gambling activities, even extending to sweepstakes casinos.
- The specific situation in Hawaii and North Carolina remains unclear, but their approach towards the regulation of sweepstakes casinos, being different from states like Washington or Michigan, might influence how fringe gambling is addressed in those states.
