Bill Summary: SF1856 - Lawful Gambling Electronic Games and Tax Modifications

• Authorizes electronic pull-tab games and electronic linked bingo games as lawful gambling products, with electronic pull-tab devices limited to handheld, portable devices requiring coded entry and prohibiting coin/currency insertion.

• Modifies gambling tax rates by eliminating the tax on paper and electronic pull-tabs and tipboards; exempts electronic linked bingo from the 8.5% tax rate; adjusts combined net receipts tax brackets and rates effective July 1, 2012.

• Establishes regulatory requirements for electronic gaming devices including board approval of systems, independent testing laboratory certification, electronic monitoring capability, and accessibility features for visually impaired players.

• Limits electronic bingo device usage to linked bingo games at licensed premises (on-sale/off-sale liquor locations or bingo-primary businesses) with device quantity restrictions based on seating capacity (6-50 devices depending on venue type).

• Appropriates $1,219,000 to the Gambling Control Board in fiscal year 2013 for regulatory oversight of electronic pull-tabs and electronic linked bingo operations.