May 2006 Newsletter

 

KCGA Year To Date – The first 4 months of 2006 have been unusually busy in Kentucky Charitable Gaming.  To summarize the issues, we’ve broken them down into 3 categories:

 

Legislative

From our Legislative Director’s annual report:  

“The 2006 Legislative Session, which ended on April 12, saw a number of bills dealing with Gaming at Casinos and Racetracks as well as several which could have affected Charitable Gaming. We monitored the bills for Casinos and Racetracks because they have an overall negative affect on our Charitable Gaming.  In our research, we found that unless we made some changes to the laws regulating Charitable Gaming the introduction of statewide Gaming in Casinos and Racetracks they would take away players at our sessions.   The National Consultant to KEEP agreed with our findings.

 

Therefore we began an effort to modernize the Laws Governing Charitable Gaming. Following the guidance of several key legislators, we began developing a bill that would qualify not as expansion, but as modernization. The Governor’s office, The Department of Public Protection, Manufacturers, Distributors, Facility Owners, and most importantly Charities were consulted to get the best possible result.  The ensuing discussions brought about the present version of HB 702.”

 

We plan to re-introduce HB702 in the next session.  It is on our website along with a section of frequently asked questions.  This bill proposes to:

 

- Allow statewide linked bingo games which should increase the number of players and prizes.

 

- It would create more transparency in the system to protect charities in case of facility owner default.  This would be done by requiring bonding and business plans from hall owners.

 

- Provide clearer enforcement powers for OCG in dealing with fraud.

 

- Create an electronic central-based statewide system for monitoring and assisting Charities in the play of bingo and pull-tabs.

 

- Allow Charities in contiguous counties (adjacent or bordering) to participate in bingo facilities to cross county lines to play if certain requirements are met.

 

- It does not eliminate present paper bingo, pull-tabs, electronic handhelds, or electronic pull-tab dispensers.  It does provide the option of playing modern electronic versions of these games.

 

- It will provide for electronic reporting for the Charities - from the facilities. Eventually, computerized reporting will be available to benefit all charities.

 

- This bill increases limits on progressive pull-tab games.

 

- HB702 does not directly address the 40% rule.  However it is felt the changes in the law will improve the opportunities to reach and exceed the 40% threshold.

 

Regulations

Recently the Office of Charitable Gaming published new Regulations.  Throughout the proposal process, KCGA members worked diligently to ensure that these new regs would not be overbearing to licensees.  We succeeded on many points.

 

However, since they have been published, we have received many calls and emails voicing specific concerns about the regs.  We encourage any licensee with questions or complaints to contact us as quickly as possible.

 

To view the new regulations, please visit: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/TITLE820.HTM

 

Local Issues

Perhaps the number one concern in Kentucky’s Charitable Gaming community is how Smoking Ordinances will affect Bingo.  As you may know, Fayette and Jefferson counties have adopted ordinances which are somewhat murky as they relate to bingo halls.  You may also realize that smaller towns and counties are not far behind.

 

The issue at hand is this:  If a charity or hall loses 10-20% of its players because of a smoking ban, will that stop you from achieving 40%? 

 

The answer is this:  It could.

 

We encourage you to contact your local council member or magistrate and communicate your concerns.  If necessary, please bring us into the loop.  We may be able to help.

 

Advertise Your Event – If you’re licensed to host a Special Event, you should begin advertising early.  The KCGA can help you get free listings on statewide websites.  Contact us at 502-554-2749.

 

Are You A Charity Looking For A Bingo Hall? – Call us or email us at info@kentuckycharitablegaming.org. 

We can help you find a reputable facility or facilities from which to choose.

 

If you’ve got suggestions as to where we should focus our effort, please let us know.  As a member of our large and growing organization, you have the opportunity to be heard.  Call us at (502)-554-2749, or email ron@kentuckycharitablegaming.org

 

Why Join The KCGA? - Are you making your 40%?  Have you been fined unfairly?  Your KCGA membership strengthens your voice on potential changes that affect you.  KCGA members can be sure that their issues are receiving priority attention.  If you’re not a member yet, we strongly encourage you to join.  If you don’t, others will make decisions for you – without your input. 

 

What Can We Do For You? – We have helped members with numerous issues.  If you have a question, concern, or you just want to comment, call us at (502) 554-2749.  We’ve recently helped several charities with compliance and licensing issues.  Our role includes taking our members’ suggestions and concerns to the OCG.  Is there something that’s bothering you?  Do you have an idea that our colleagues in Frankfort may want to consider?  Maybe you have a specific issue that you feel isn’t being dealt with properly.  As a large organization that maintains weekly contact with the Office of Charitable Gaming, we may be able to help you.