HB 15-1047 Summary

• Adds Article 10.5 to Colorado Title 18 to prohibit simulated gambling devices, commonly known as internet sweepstakes cafés, which use electronic machines to enable gambling through sweepstakes predicated on product sales without state regulation or oversight.

• Defines "simulated gambling device" to include video poker, video bingo, video keno, video roulette, eight-liners, pot-of-gold machines, and any electronic device displaying simulated gambling that requires payment or product purchase and awards prizes.

• Makes unlawful offering of a simulated gambling device a Class 3 misdemeanor, with civil remedies allowing the Attorney General and district attorneys to pursue injunctions and damages up to three times the total business transacted.

• Allows licensed Colorado gaming operators who suffer losses from simulated gambling device violations to seek injunctions, damages up to three times actual losses, attorney fees, and other appropriate relief in district court.

• Exempts legitimate stock and commodities exchanges, lawfully authorized gaming and racing activities, and standard internet service providers; however, software developers whose primary purpose is supporting simulated gambling devices remain subject to prosecution and civil liability.