SB 971 - Gaming Statutes Revisions Summary

• Establishes new "live game employee" license for employees directly involved in live online casino gaming operations, requiring fingerprint-based criminal background checks and renewal every two years ($200 initial fee, $100 renewal fee).

• Expands the definition of "key employee" to include chief information officers and chief data security officers responsible for information systems and technical operations.

• Creates the "State Sports Wagering and Online Gaming Regulatory Fund" to hold licensing fees and assessment payments from master wagering licensees to cover department regulatory costs.

• Prohibits sovereign immunity as a defense for tribal gaming employees (key employees, live game employees, occupational employees) in enforcement actions under gaming statutes and related laws.

• Allows third-party criminal background checks from Fair Credit Reporting Act-compliant agencies as alternatives to state and national fingerprint checks for key and live game employees.