2016 -- H 7228

========

LC003790

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO SPORTS, RACING, AND ATHLETICS -- AUTHORIZING STATE-

OPERATED GAMING AT A FACILITY IN TIVERTON

     

     Introduced By: Representative John J. DeSimone

     Date Introduced: January 20, 2016

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1

     SECTION 1. Section 41-7-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 41-7 entitled "Jai Alai" is

2

hereby amended to read as follows:

3

     41-7-3. Regulation of operations -- Licensing. -- (a) The division of racing and athletics

4

is hereby authorized to license jai alai in the city of Newport. The operation of a fronton shall be

5

under the division's supervision. The division is hereby authorized to issue rules and regulations

6

for the supervision of the operations.

7

      (b) Any license granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the rules

8

and regulations promulgated by the division and shall be subject to suspension or revocation for

9

any cause which the division shall deem sufficient after giving the licensee a reasonable

10

opportunity for a hearing at which he or she shall have the right to be represented by counsel. If

11

any license is suspended or revoked, the division shall state the reasons for the suspension or

12

revocation and cause an entry of the reasons to be made on the record books of the division.

13

      (c) Commencing July 1, 2003, the division of racing and athletics shall be prohibited to

14

license jai alai in the city of Newport. Any license having been issued and in effect as of that date

15

shall be null and void and any licensee shall be prohibited from operating thereunder; provided,

16

however, that any entity having been issued a license to operate a jai alai fronton prior to July 1,

17

2003, and any successor in interest to such entity by reason of acquiring the stock or substantially

18

all of the assets of such entity, shall be deemed a pari-mutuel licensee as defined in § 42-61.2-1 et

 

1

seq., and a licensee as defined in § 41-11-1 et seq.; and provided further, any license to operate a

2

jai alai fronton in effect with regard to a facility in Newport shall terminate and be of no further

3

force or effect upon the commencement of the operation of video lottery games at a facility

4

owned by Twin River-Tiverton located in the town of Tiverton.

5

     (d) The division of racing and athletics is hereby authorized to grant a pari-mutuel license

6

to Twin River-Tiverton with respect to a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located at the

7

intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton,

8

provided that the requirements of Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution are met

9

with respect to said facility, namely that: (1) The secretary of state certifies that the qualified

10

voters of the state have approved authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located at

11

the intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be

12

licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated

13

casino gaming, such as table games; and (2) The board of canvassers of the town of Tiverton

14

certifies (or there is certified on its behalf) that the qualified electors of the town of Tiverton have

15

approved authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located at the intersection of

16

William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-

17

mutuel facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming,

18

such as table games.

19

     (e) For purposes of this section, "Twin River-Tiverton" shall mean Twin River-Tiverton,

20

LLC and/or the successor in interest thereto by reason of the acquisition of the stock, membership

21

interests or substantially all of the assets of such entity.

22

     SECTION 2. Sections 42-61.2-1, 42-61.2-2, 42-61.2-2.1, 42-61.2-3.2, 42-61.2-7 and 42-

23

61.2-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-61.2 entitled "Video Lottery Terminal" are hereby

24

amended to read as follows:

25

     42-61.2-1. Definitions. -- For the purpose of this chapter, the following words shall

26

mean:

27

      (1) "Central communication system" means a system approved by the lottery division,

28

linking all video lottery machines at a licensee location to provide auditing program information

29

and any other information determined by the lottery. In addition, the central communications

30

system must provide all computer hardware and related software necessary for the establishment

31

and implementation of a comprehensive system as required by the division. The central

32

communications licensee may provide a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the video lottery

33

terminals.

34

      (2) "Licensed video lottery retailer" means a pari-mutuel licensee specifically licensed

 

LC003790 - Page 2 of 28

1

by the director subject to the approval of the division to become a licensed video lottery retailer.

2

      (3) "Net terminal income" means currency placed into a video lottery terminal less

3

credits redeemed for cash by players.

4

      (4) "Pari-mutuel licensee" means an entity licensed and authorized to conduct:

5

      (i) Dog racing, An entity licensed pursuant to chapter 3.1 of title 41 §41-3.1-3; and/or

6

      (ii) Jai-alai games, An entity licensed pursuant to chapter 7 of title 41 §41-7-3.

7

      (5) "Technology provider" means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association

8

that designs, manufactures, installs, maintains, distributes, or supplies video lottery machines or

9

associated equipment for the sale or use in this state.

10

      (6) "Video lottery games" means lottery games played on video lottery terminals

11

controlled by the lottery division.

12

      (7) "Video lottery terminal" means any electronic computerized video game machine

13

that, upon the insertion of cash or any other representation of value that has been approved by the

14

division of lotteries, is available to play a video game authorized by the lottery division, and that

15

uses a video display and microprocessors in which, by chance, the player may receive free games

16

or credits that can be redeemed for cash. The term does not include a machine that directly

17

dispenses coins, cash, or tokens.

18

      (8) "Casino gaming" means any and all table and casino-style games played with cards,

19

dice, or equipment, for money, credit, or any representative of value; including, but not limited to,

20

roulette, blackjack, big six, craps, poker, baccarat, paigow, any banking or percentage game, or

21

any other game of device included within the definition of Class III gaming as that term is

22

defined in Section 2703(8) of Title 25 of the United States Code and that is approved by the state

23

through the division of state lottery.

24

      (9) "Net table game revenue" means win from table games minus counterfeit currency.

25

      (10) "Rake" means a set fee or percentage of cash and chips representing cash wagered

26

in the playing of a nonbanking table game assessed by a table games retailer for providing the

27

services of a dealer, gaming table or location, to allow the play of any nonbanking table game.

28

      (11) "Table game" or "Table gaming" means that type of casino gaming in which table

29

games are played for cash or chips representing cash, or any other representation of value that has

30

been approved by the division of lotteries, using cards, dice, or equipment and conducted by one

31

or more live persons.

32

      (12) "Table game retailer" means a retailer authorized to conduct table gaming pursuant

33

to §§ 42-61.2-2.1 and 42-61.2-2.2 or 42-61.2-2.3.

34

      (13) "Credit facilitator" means any employee of Twin River a licensed video lottery

 

LC003790 - Page 3 of 28

1

retailer approved in writing by the division whose responsibility is to, among other things, review

2

applications for credit by players, verify information on credit applications, grant, deny and

3

suspend credit, establish credit limits, increase and decrease credit limits, and maintain credit

4

files, all in accordance with this chapter and rules and regulations approved by the division.

5

      (14) "Newport Grand" means Newport Grand, LLC, a Rhode Island limited liability

6

company, successor to Newport Grand Jai Alai, LLC, and each permitted successor to and

7

assignee of Newport Grand, LLC under the Newport Grand Master Contract, including, but not

8

limited to, Premier Entertainment II, LLC and/or Twin River-Tiverton, LLC, provided it is a pari-

9

mutuel licensee as defined in § 42-61.2-1 et seq.; provided, further, however, where the context

10

indicates that the term is referring to the physical facility, then it shall mean the gaming and

11

entertainment facility located at 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode Island.

12

      (15) "Newport Grand Marketing Year" means each fiscal year of the state or a portion

13

thereof between November 23, 2010 and the termination date of the Newport Grand Master

14

Contract.

15

      (16) "Newport Grand Master Contract" means that certain master video lottery terminal

16

contract made as of November 23, 2005 by and between the Division of Lotteries of the Rhode

17

Island Department of Administration and Newport Grand, as amended and extended from time to

18

time as authorized therein and/or as such Newport Grand Master Contract may be assigned as

19

permitted therein.

20

     (17) "Premier" means Premier Entertainment II, LLC and/or its successor in interest by

21

reason of the acquisition of the stock, membership interests or substantially all of the assets of

22

such entity.

23

     (18) "Twin River-Tiverton" means Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and/or its successor in

24

interest by reason of the acquisition of the stock, membership interests or substantially all of the

25

assets of such entity.

26

     42-61.2-2. Division of state lottery authorized to operate video lotteries. -- (a)

27

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the division of state lottery is authorized to

28

conduct and control video lottery games under its authority.

29

      (b) Video lottery terminals may only be installed and operated at the facilities of pari-

30

mutuel licensee licensees facilities existing as of June 30, 1992, as defined in § 42-61.2-1(4),

31

which are specifically approved by the state lottery director, to be licensed video lottery retailers

32

according to rules and regulations set forth by the director. At any one time, there shall be no

33

more than two (2) pari-mutuel licensee facilities in which video lottery games are conducted, one

34

located in the town of Lincoln, and one located either in the city of Newport or in the town of

 

LC003790 - Page 4 of 28

1

Tiverton.

2

      (c) Commencing July 1, 2005, the number of video lottery terminals to be installed at

3

pari-mutuel license facilities shall be established by the general assembly.

4

      (d) Pursuant to Article 6, section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution, the general

5

assembly shall determine the type of lotteries conducted.

6

     42-61.2-2.1. State authorized to operate casino gaming. -- (a) State-operated casino

7

gaming shall be authorized at the facility of the licensed video lottery terminal retailer known as

8

"Twin River" located in the town of Lincoln; provided, that the requirements of Article VI,

9

Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution are met with respect to said facility at the general

10

election next held after enactment of this section.

11

      (1) With respect to the "Twin River" facility, the authorization of this section 2.1 shall be

12

effective upon: (i) The certification by the secretary of state that the qualified voters of the state

13

have approved the expansion of gambling at such facility to include casino gaming; and (ii) The

14

certification by the board of canvassers of the town of Lincoln that qualified electors of the town

15

of Lincoln have approved the expansion of gambling at such facility to include casino gaming.

16

      (b) The general assembly finds that:

17

      (1) The operation of casino gaming at Twin River will play a critical role in the economy

18

of the state and enhance state and local revenues;

19

      (2) Pursuant to Article VI, Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution and the specific

20

powers, authorities and safeguards set forth in subsection (c) herein in connection with the

21

operation of casino gaming, the state shall have full operational control over the specified

22

location at which casino gaming shall be conducted;

23

      (3) It is in the best interest of the state to have the authorization to operate casino gaming

24

as specified at Twin River; and

25

      (4) It is in the best interest of the state to conduct an extensive analysis and evaluation of

26

competitive casino gaming operations and thereafter for the general assembly to enact

27

comprehensive legislation during the 2012 legislative session to determine the terms and

28

conditions pursuant to which casino gaming would be operated in the state if it is authorized as

29

set forth herein.

30

      (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and pursuant to Article VI, Section

31

15 of the Rhode Island Constitution, the state is authorized to operate, conduct and control casino

32

gaming at Twin River, subject to subsection (a) above. In furtherance thereof, the state, through

33

the division of state lottery and/or the department of business regulation, shall have full

34

operational control to operate the foregoing facility, the authority to make all decisions about all

 

LC003790 - Page 5 of 28

1

aspects of the functioning of the business enterprise, including, without limitation, the power and

2

authority to:

3

      (1) Determine the number, type, placement and arrangement of casino gaming games,

4

tables and sites within the facility;

5

      (2) Establish with respect to casino gaming one or more systems for linking, tracking,

6

deposit and reporting of receipts, audits, annual reports, prohibitive conduct and other such

7

matters determined from time to time;

8

      (3) Collect all receipts from casino gaming, require that Twin River collect casino

9

gaming gross receipts in trust for the state through the division of state lottery, deposit such

10

receipts into an account or accounts of its choice, allocate such receipts according to law, and

11

otherwise maintain custody and control over all casino gaming receipts and funds;

12

      (4) Hold and exercise sufficient powers over Twin River's accounting and finances to

13

allow for adequate oversight and verification of the financial aspects of casino gaming at the

14

facility, including, without limitation:

15

      (i) The right to require Twin River to maintain an annual balance sheet, profit and loss

16

statement, and any other necessary information or reports; and

17

      (ii) The authority and power to conduct periodic compliance or special or focused audits

18

of the information or reports provided, as well as the premises with the facility containing records

19

of casino gaming or in which the business of Twin River's casino gaming operations are

20

conducted;

21

      (5) Monitor all casino gaming operations and have the power to terminate or suspend

22

any casino gaming activities in the event of an integrity concern or other threat to the public trust,

23

and in furtherance thereof, require the licensed video lottery retailer to provide a specified area or

24

areas from which to conduct such monitoring activities;

25

      (6) Define and limit the rules of play and odds of authorized casino gaming games,

26

including, without limitation, the minimum and maximum wagers for each casino gaming game;

27

      (7) Have approval rights over matters relating to the employment of individuals to be

28

involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino gaming at Twin River;

29

      (8)(7) Establish compulsive gambling treatment programs;

30

      (9)(8) Promulgate, or propose for promulgation, any legislative, interpretive and

31

procedural rules necessary for the successful implementation, administration and enforcement of

32

this chapter; and

33

      (10)(9) Hold all other powers necessary and proper to fully effectively execute and

34

administer the provisions of this chapter for its purpose of allowing the state to operate a casino

 

LC003790 - Page 6 of 28

1

gaming facility through a licensed video lottery retailer hosting said casino gaming on behalf of

2

the State of Rhode Island.

3

      (d) Subject to subsection (a) above, the state, through the division of state lottery and/or

4

the department of business regulation, may expand Twin River existing video lottery license

5

issued, or issue Twin River a new casino gaming license, to permit casino gaming to the extent

6

authorized by this act.

7

      (e) Subject to subsection (a) above, all rules and regulations shall be promulgated by the

8

state, through the division of state lottery and the department of business regulation, in

9

accordance with the authority conferred upon the general assembly pursuant to Article VI,

10

Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution. In accord therewith, subject to subsection (a) above,

11

the state, through the division of state lottery and/or the department of business regulation, shall

12

have authority to issue such regulations as it deems appropriate pertaining to control, operation

13

and management of casino gaming as specifically set forth in subsections (b) and (c) herein.

14

      (f) The Rhode Island state police through its gaming enforcement unit shall have the

15

authority to monitor and investigate criminal violations related to casino gaming activities

16

consistent with chapter 42-61.3.

17

     (g) The state, through the department of revenue, division of state lottery, and/or the

18

department of business regulation, shall have approval rights over matters relating to the

19

employment of individuals to be involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino

20

gaming at Twin River.

21

     42-61.2-3.2. Gaming credit authorized. -- (a) Authority. - In addition to the powers and

22

duties of the state lottery director under §§ 42-61-4, 42-61.2-3, 42-61.2-3.1 and 42-61.2-4, the

23

division shall authorize Twin River each licensed video lottery retailer to extend credit to players

24

pursuant to the terms and conditions of this chapter.

25

      (b) Credit. - Notwithstanding any provision of the general laws to the contrary,

26

including, without limitation, § 11-19-17, except for applicable licensing laws and regulations,

27

Twin River each licensed video lottery retailer may extend interest-free, unsecured credit to its

28

patrons for the sole purpose of such patrons making wagers at table games and/or video lottery

29

terminals at the Twin River licensed video lottery retailer's facility subject to the terms and

30

conditions of this chapter.

31

      (c) Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this section, Twin

32

River Each licensed video lottery retailer shall be subject to submit to the division of lotteries, for

33

review and approval, proposed rules and regulations submitted by licensed video lottery retailers

34

and subject to the approval of the division of lotteries regarding the establishment of procedures

 

LC003790 - Page 7 of 28

1

governing a program for the extension of credit and requirements with respect to a credit

2

applicant's financial fitness, including, without limitation, annual income, debt-to-income ratio,

3

prior credit history, average monthly bank balance and/or level of play. The division of lotteries

4

may approve, approve with modification, or disapprove any portion of the policies and

5

procedures submitted for review and approval.

6

      (d) Credit applications. - Each applicant for credit shall submit a written application to

7

Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer that shall be maintained by Twin River the licensed

8

video lottery retailer for three (3) years in a confidential credit file. The application shall include

9

the patron's name; address; telephone number; social security number; comprehensive bank

10

account information; the requested credit limit; the patron's approximate amount of current

11

indebtedness; the amount and source of income in support of the application; the patron's

12

signature on the application; a certification of truthfulness; and any other information deemed

13

relevant by Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer or the division of lotteries.

14

      (e) Credit application verification. - As part of the review of a credit application and

15

before an application for credit is approved, Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer shall

16

verify:

17

      (1) The identity, creditworthiness, and indebtedness information of the applicant by

18

conducting a comprehensive review of:

19

      (i) The information submitted with the application;

20

      (ii) Indebtedness information regarding the applicant received from a credit bureau;

21

and/or

22

      (iii) Information regarding the applicant's credit activity at other licensed facilities that

23

Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer may obtain through a casino credit bureau and, if

24

appropriate, through direct contact with other casinos.

25

      (2) That the applicant's name is not included on an exclusion or self-exclusion list

26

maintained by Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer and/or the division of lotteries.

27

      (3) As part of the credit application, Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer shall

28

notify each applicant in advance that Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer will verify the

29

information in subsections (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this section and may verify any other information

30

provided by the applicant as part of the credit application. The applicant is required to

31

acknowledge in writing that he or she understands that the verification process will be conducted

32

as part of the application process and that he or she consents to having said verification process

33

conducted.

34

      (f) Establishment of credit. - After a review of the credit application and upon

 

LC003790 - Page 8 of 28

1

completion of the verification required under subsection (e) of this section, and subject to the

2

rules and regulations approved by the division of lotteries, a credit facilitator may approve or

3

deny an application for credit to a player. The credit facilitator shall establish a credit limit for

4

each patron to whom credit is granted. The approval or denial of credit shall be recorded in the

5

applicant's credit file that shall also include the information that was verified as part of the review

6

process, and the reasons and information relied on by the credit facilitator in approving or

7

denying the extension of credit and determining the credit limit. Subject to the rules and

8

regulations approved by the division of lotteries, increases to an individual's credit limit may be

9

approved by a credit facilitator upon receipt of written request from the player after a review of

10

updated financial information requested by the credit facilitator and re-verification of the player's

11

credit information.

12

      (g) Recordkeeping. - Detailed information pertaining to all transactions affecting an

13

individual's outstanding indebtedness to Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer shall be

14

recorded in chronological order in the individual's credit file. The financial information in an

15

application for credit and documents related thereto shall be confidential. All credit application

16

files shall be maintained by Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer in a secure manner and

17

shall not be accessible to anyone not a credit facilitator or a Twin River manager or officer of a

18

licensed video lottery retailer responsible for the oversight of the extension of credit program.

19

      (h) Reduction or suspension of credit. - A credit facilitator may reduce a player's credit

20

limit or suspend his or her credit to the extent permitted by the rules and regulations approved by

21

the division of lotteries and shall reduce a player's credit limit or suspend a player's credit limit as

22

required by said rules and regulations.

23

      (i) Voluntary credit suspension. - A player may request that Twin River the licensed

24

video lottery retailer suspend or reduce his or her credit. Upon receipt of a written request to do

25

so, the player's credit shall be reduced or suspended as requested. A copy of the request and the

26

action taken by the credit facilitator shall be placed in the player's credit application file.

27

      (j) Liability. - In the event that a player fails to repay a debt owed to Twin River a

28

licensed video lottery retailer resulting from the extension of credit by Twin River that licensed

29

video lottery retailer, neither the state of Rhode Island nor the division of lotteries shall be

30

responsible for the loss and said loss shall not affect net table game revenue or net terminal

31

income. Twin River A licensed video lottery retailer, the state of Rhode Island, the division of

32

lotteries, and/or any employee of Twin River a licensed video lottery retailer, shall not be liable in

33

any judicial or administrative proceeding to any player, any individual, or any other party,

34

including table game players or individuals on the voluntary suspension list, for any harm,

 

LC003790 - Page 9 of 28

1

monetary or otherwise, that may arise as a result of:

2

      (1) Granting or denial of credit to a player;

3

      (2) Increasing the credit limit of a player;

4

      (3) Allowing a player to exercise his or her right to use credit as otherwise authorized;

5

      (4) Failure of Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer to increase a credit limit;

6

      (5) Failure of Twin River the licensed video lottery retailer to restore credit privileges

7

that have been suspended, whether involuntarily or at the request of the table game patron; or

8

      (6) Permitting or prohibiting an individual whose credit privileges have been suspended,

9

whether involuntarily or at the request of the player, to engage in gaming activity in a licensed

10

facility while on the voluntary credit suspension list.

11

      (k) Limitations. - Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, for any extensions

12

of credit, the maximum amount of outstanding credit per player shall be fifty thousand dollars

13

($50,000).

14

     42-61.2-7. Division of revenue. -- (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-61-15, the

15

allocation of net, terminal income derived from video lottery games is as follows:

16

      (1) For deposit in the general fund and to the state lottery division fund for

17

administrative purposes: Net, terminal income not otherwise disbursed in accordance with

18

subdivisions (a)(2) -- (a)(6) inclusive, or otherwise disbursed in accordance with subsections

19

(g)(2) and (h)(2), of this section;

20

      (i) Except for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, nineteen one hundredths of one

21

percent (0.19%), up to a maximum of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000), shall be equally

22

allocated to the distressed communities as defined in § 45-13-12 provided that no eligible

23

community shall receive more than twenty-five percent (25%) of that community's currently

24

enacted municipal budget as its share under this specific subsection. Distributions made under

25

this specific subsection are supplemental to all other distributions made under any portion of

26

general laws § 45-13-12. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, distributions by community

27

shall be identical to the distributions made in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, and shall be

28

made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the total state

29

distribution shall be the same total amount distributed in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, and

30

shall be made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, the total

31

state distribution shall be the same total amount distributed in the fiscal year ending June 30,

32

2009, and shall be made from general appropriations, provided, however, that seven hundred

33

eighty-four thousand four hundred fifty-eight dollars ($784,458) of the total appropriation shall

34

be distributed equally to each qualifying distressed community. For each of the fiscal years

 

LC003790 - Page 10 of 28

1

ending June 30, 2011, June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2013, seven hundred eighty-four thousand four

2

hundred fifty-eight dollars ($784,458) of the total appropriation shall be distributed equally to

3

each qualifying distressed community.

4

      (ii) Five one hundredths of one percent (0.05%), up to a maximum of five million dollars

5

($5,000,000), shall be appropriated to property tax relief to fully fund the provisions of § 44-33-

6

2.1. The maximum credit defined in subdivision 44-33-9(2) shall increase to the maximum

7

amount to the nearest five dollar ($5.00) increment within the allocation until a maximum credit

8

of five hundred dollars ($500) is obtained. In no event shall the exemption in any fiscal year be

9

less than the prior fiscal year.

10

      (iii) One and twenty-two one hundredths of one percent (1.22%) to fund § 44-34.1-1,

11

entitled "Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax Elimination Act of 1998", to the maximum

12

amount to the nearest two hundred fifty dollar ($250) increment within the allocation. In no event

13

shall the exemption in any fiscal year be less than the prior fiscal year.

14

      (iv) Except for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, ten one hundredths of one percent

15

(0.10%), to a maximum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000), for supplemental distribution to

16

communities not included in subsection (a)(1)(i) above distributed proportionately on the basis of

17

general revenue sharing distributed for that fiscal year. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008,

18

distributions by community shall be identical to the distributions made in the fiscal year ending

19

June 30, 2007, and shall be made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30,

20

2009, no funding shall be disbursed. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, and thereafter,

21

funding shall be determined by appropriation.

22

      (2) To the licensed, video-lottery retailer:

23

      (a) (i) Prior to the effective date of the Newport Grand Master Contract, Newport Grand

24

twenty-six percent (26%), minus three hundred eighty-four thousand nine hundred ninety-six

25

dollars ($384,996);

26

      (ii) On and after the effective date of the Newport Grand Master Contract, to the

27

licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract, all sums due

28

and payable under said Master Contract, minus three hundred eighty four thousand nine hundred

29

ninety-six dollars ($384,996).

30

      (iii) Effective July 1, 2013, the rate of net, terminal income payable to Newport Grand,

31

LLC under the licensed video lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand master contract

32

Master Contract shall increase by two and one quarter percent (2.25%) points. The increase

33

herein shall sunset and expire on June 30, 2015, and the rate in effect as of June 30, 2013, shall be

34

reinstated.

 

LC003790 - Page 11 of 28

1

      (iv) (A) Effective July 1, 2015, the rate of net, terminal income payable to Newport

2

Grand, under the licensed video lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master

3

Contract shall increase over the rate in effect as of June 30, 2013, by one and nine-tenths (1.9%)

4

(1.9) percentage points. (i.e., x% plus 1.9 percentage points equals (x + 1.9)%, where "x%" is the

5

current rate of net terminal income payable to the licensed video lottery retailer who is a party to

6

the Newport Grand Master Contract). The dollar amount of additional net terminal income paid to

7

the licensed video lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract with

8

respect to any Newport Grand Marketing Year as a result of such increase in rate shall be referred

9

to as "Additional Newport Grand Marketing NTI."

10

      (B) The excess, if any, of Newport Grand's marketing expenditures incurred by the

11

licensed video lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract with respect

12

to a Newport Grand Marketing Year over one million four hundred thousand dollars ($1,400,000)

13

shall be referred to as the "Newport Grand Marketing Incremental Spend." Beginning with the

14

Newport Grand Marketing Year that starts on July 1, 2015, after the end of each Newport Grand

15

Marketing Year, Newport Grand the licensed video lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport

16

Grand Master Contract shall pay to the Division the amount, if any, by which the Additional

17

Newport Grand Marketing NTI for such Newport Grand Marketing Year exceeds the Newport

18

Grand Marketing Incremental Spend for such Newport Grand Marketing Year; provided

19

however, that Newport Grand's such video lottery retailer's liability to the Division hereunder

20

with respect to any Newport Grand Marketing Year shall never exceed the Additional Newport

21

Grand Marketing NTI paid to Newport Grand such video lottery retailer with respect to such

22

Newport Grand Marketing Year.

23

      The increase herein in subsection 2(a)(iv) of this section shall sunset and expire on June

24

30, 2017, and the rate in effect as of June 30, 2013 shall be reinstated.

25

      (b) (i) Prior to the effective date of the UTGR master contract, to the present licensed,

26

video-lottery retailer at Lincoln Park, which is not a party to the UTGR, master contract, twenty-

27

eight and eighty-five one hundredths percent (28.85%), minus seven hundred sixty-seven

28

thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars ($767,687);

29

      (ii) On and after the effective date of the UTGR master contract, to the licensed, video-

30

lottery retailer that is a party to the UTGR master contract, all sums due and payable under said

31

master contract minus seven hundred sixty-seven thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars

32

($767,687).

33

      (3) (i) To the technology providers that are not a party to the GTECH Master Contract as

34

set forth and referenced in Public Law 2003, Chapter 32, seven percent (7%) of the net, terminal

 

LC003790 - Page 12 of 28

1

income of the provider's terminals; in addition thereto, technology providers that provide

2

premium or licensed proprietary content or those games that have unique characteristics, such as

3

3D graphics; unique math/game play features; or merchandising elements to video lottery

4

terminals; may receive incremental compensation, either in the form of a daily fee or as an

5

increased percentage, if all of the following criteria are met:

6

      (A) A licensed, video-lottery retailer has requested the placement of premium or licensed

7

proprietary content at its licensed, video-lottery facility;

8

      (B) The division of lottery has determined in its sole discretion that the request is likely

9

to increase net, terminal income or is otherwise important to preserve or enhance the

10

competiveness of the licensed, video-lottery retailer;

11

      (C) After approval of the request by the division of lottery, the total number of premium

12

or licensed, proprietary-content video-lottery terminals does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the

13

total number of video-lottery terminals authorized at the respective licensed, video-lottery

14

retailer; and

15

      (D) All incremental costs are shared between the division and the respective licensed,

16

video-lottery retailer based upon their proportionate allocation of net terminal income. The

17

division of lottery is hereby authorized to amend agreements with the licensed, video-lottery

18

retailers, or the technology providers, as applicable, to effect the intent herein.

19

      (ii) To contractors that are a party to the master contract as set forth and referenced in

20

Public Law 2003, Chapter 32, all sums due and payable under said master contract; and

21

      (iii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (i) and (ii) above, there shall be subtracted

22

proportionately from the payments to technology providers the sum of six hundred twenty-eight

23

thousand seven hundred thirty-seven dollars ($628,737).

24

      (4) (A) Until video lottery games are no longer operated at the Newport Grand gaming

25

facility located in Newport, to To the city of Newport one and one hundredth percent (1.01%) of

26

net terminal income of authorized machines at Newport Grand, except that: effective

27

      (i) Effective November 9, 2009 until June 30, 2013, the allocation shall be one and two

28

tenths percent (1.2%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at Newport Grand for each

29

week the facility operates video lottery games on a twenty-four-hour (24) basis for all eligible

30

hours authorized; and

31

      (ii) Effective July 1, 2013, provided that the referendum measure authorized by Section 1

32

of Chapters 24 and 25 of the Public Laws of 2012 is approved statewide and in the City of

33

Newport, the allocation shall be one and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal

34

income of authorized video lottery terminals at Newport Grand; and

 

LC003790 - Page 13 of 28

1

     (B) Upon commencement of the operation of video lottery games at Twin River-

2

Tiverton's facility located in the town of Tiverton, to the town of Tiverton one and forty-five

3

hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at the licensed video

4

lottery retailer's facility located in the town of Tiverton, subject to subsection (g)(2) of this

5

section; and

6

     (B)(C) To the town of Lincoln one and twenty-six hundredths percent (1.26%) of net

7

terminal income of authorized machines at Twin River except that;

8

      (i) Effective November 9, 2009 until June 30, 2013, the allocation shall be one and forty-

9

five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at Twin River for

10

each week video lottery games are offered on a twenty-four-hour (24) basis for all eligible hours

11

authorized; and

12

      (ii) Effective July 1, 2013, provided that the referendum measure authorized by Article

13

25, Chapter 151, Section 4 of the Public Laws of 2011 is approved statewide and in the Town of

14

Lincoln, the allocation shall be one and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal

15

income of authorized video lottery terminals at Twin River, subject to subsection (h)(2) of this

16

section; and

17

      (5) To the Narragansett Indian Tribe, seventeen hundredths of one percent (0.17%) of net

18

terminal income of authorized machines at Lincoln Park, up to a maximum of ten million dollars

19

($10,000,000) per year, that shall be paid to the Narragansett Indian Tribe for the account of a

20

Tribal Development Fund to be used for the purpose of encouraging and promoting: home

21

ownership and improvement; elderly housing; adult vocational training; health and social

22

services; childcare; natural resource protection; and economic development consistent with state

23

law. Provided, however, such distribution shall terminate upon the opening of any gaming facility

24

in which the Narragansett Indians are entitled to any payments or other incentives; and provided

25

further, any monies distributed hereunder shall not be used for, or spent on, previously contracted

26

debts; and

27

      (6) Unclaimed prizes and credits shall remit to the general fund of the state; and

28

      (7) Payments into the state's general fund specified in subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(6) shall

29

be made on an estimated monthly basis. Payment shall be made on the tenth day following the

30

close of the month except for the last month when payment shall be on the last business day.

31

      (b) Notwithstanding the above, the amounts payable by the division to UTGR related to

32

the marketing program shall be paid on a frequency agreed by the division, but no less frequently

33

than annually.

34

      (c) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter 61.2 of this title to the contrary, the director

 

LC003790 - Page 14 of 28

1

is authorized to fund the marketing program as described above in regard to the first amendment

2

to the UTGR master contract.

3

      (d) Notwithstanding the above, the amounts payable by the division to the licensed video

4

lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract related to the marketing

5

program shall be paid on a frequency agreed by the division, but no less frequently than annually.

6

      (e) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter 61.2 of this title to the contrary, the director

7

is authorized to fund the marketing program as described above in regard to the first amendment

8

to the Newport Grand master contract Master Contract.

9

      (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-61-15, but subject to §42-61.2-7(h), the

10

allocation of net, table-game revenue derived from table-games at Twin River is as follows:

11

      (1) For deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the

12

balance remaining into the general fund:

13

      (i) Sixteen percent (16%) of net, table-game revenue, except as provided in § 42-61.2-

14

7(f)(1)(ii);

15

      (ii) An additional two percent (2%) of net, table-game revenue generated at Twin River

16

shall be allocated starting from the commencement of table games activities by such table-game

17

retailer and ending, with respect to such table-game retailer, on the first date that such table-game

18

retailer's net terminal income for a full state fiscal year is less than such table-game retailer's net

19

terminal income for the prior state fiscal year, at which point this additional allocation to the state

20

shall no longer apply to such table-game retailer.

21

      (2) To UTGR, net, table-game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to above

22

subsection (f)(1); provided, however, on the first date that such table-game retailer's net terminal

23

income for a full state fiscal year is less than such table-game retailer's net terminal income for

24

the prior state fiscal year, as set forth in subsection (f)(1)(ii) above, one percent (1%) of this net,

25

table-game revenue shall be allocated to the town of Lincoln for four (4), consecutive state fiscal

26

years.

27

     (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-61-15, the allocation of net, table-game

28

revenue derived from table games at Newport Grand is as follows:

29

     (1) For deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the balance

30

remaining into the general fund: eighteen percent (18%) of net, table-game revenue.

31

     (2) To Newport Grand LLC, net table-game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to

32

subsection (g)(1) provided, however, on the first date that such table-game retailer's net terminal

33

income for a full state fiscal year is less than such table-game retailer's net terminal income for

34

the prior state fiscal year, one percent (1%) of this net, table-game revenue shall be allocated to

 

LC003790 - Page 15 of 28

1

the city of Newport for four (4) consecutive state fiscal years. 

2

     (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of §42-61-15, the allocation of net table game revenue

3

derived from table games at the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton is as follows:

4

     (1) Subject to subsection(g)(2) of this section, one percent (1%) of net table game

5

revenue shall be allocated to the town of Tiverton;

6

     (2) Fifteen and one-half percent (15.5%) of net table game revenue shall be allocated to

7

the state first for deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the

8

balance remaining into the general fund; provided however, that beginning with the first state

9

fiscal year that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton offers patrons

10

video lottery games and table games for all of such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year and

11

each subsequent state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery games and

12

table games for all of such state fiscal year, if the town of Tiverton has not received an aggregate

13

of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the state fiscal year from net table game revenues and net

14

terminal income, combined, generated by such Tiverton facility, then the state shall make up such

15

shortfall to the town of Tiverton out of the state's percentage of net table game revenue set forth

16

in this subsection (g)(2) and net terminal income set forth in subsubsections (a)(1) and (a)(6) of

17

this section; provided further however, if in any state fiscal year either video lottery games or

18

table games are no longer offered at a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-

19

Tiverton, LLC, then the state shall not be obligated to make up the shortfall referenced in this

20

subsection (g)(2); and

21

     (3) Net table game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to subsections (g)(1) and

22

(g)(2) of this section shall be allocated to Twin River-Tiverton.

23

     (h) Notwithstanding the foregoing §42-61.2-7(f) and superseding that section effective

24

upon the first date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton offers

25

patrons video lottery games and table games, the allocation of net table game revenue derived

26

from table games at Twin River in Lincoln shall be as follows:

27

     (1) Subject to subsection (h)(2) of this section, one percent (1%) of net table game

28

revenue shall be allocated to the town of Lincoln;

29

     (2) Fifteen and one-half percent (15.5%) of net table game revenue shall be allocated to

30

the state first for deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the

31

balance remaining into the general fund; provided however, that beginning with the first state

32

fiscal year that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton offers patrons

33

video lottery games and table games for all of such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year and

34

each subsequent state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery games and

 

LC003790 - Page 16 of 28

1

table games for all of such state fiscal year, if the town of Lincoln has not received an aggregate

2

of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the state fiscal year from net table game revenues and net

3

terminal income, combined, generated by the Twin River facility in Lincoln, then the state shall

4

make up such shortfall to the town of Lincoln out of the state's percentage of net table game

5

revenue set forth in this subsection (h)(2) and net terminal income set forth in subsections (a)(1)

6

and (a)(6) of this section; provided further however, if in any state fiscal year either video lottery

7

games or table games are no longer offered at a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin

8

River-Tiverton, LLC, then the state shall not be obligated to make up the shortfall referenced in

9

this subsection (h)(2); and

10

     (3) Net table game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to subsections (h)(1) and

11

(h)(2) of this section shall be allocated to UTGR.

12

     42-61.2-15. Table game hours of operation. [See Applicability notes.]. -- To the extent

13

Table Games are authorized at Twin River the premises of a table game retailer, such Table

14

Games may be offered at Twin River the premises of a table game retailer for all or a portion of

15

the days and times that VLTs video lottery games are offered. To the extent Table Games are

16

authorized at Newport Grand, such Table Games may be offered at Newport Grand for all or a

17

portion of the days and times that VLTs are offered. 

18

     SECTION 3. Chapter 42-61.2 entitled "Video Lottery Terminal" is hereby amended by

19

adding thereto the following section:

20

     42-61.2-2.3. State authorized to operate casino gaming in Tiverton. -- (a) State-

21

operated casino gaming shall be authorized at the Tiverton facility of Twin River-Tiverton, a

22

licensed video lottery retailer, which facility is located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection

23

of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road, provided that the requirements of Article

24

VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution are met with respect to said facility, namely that:

25

     (1) The secretary of state certifies that the qualified voters of the state have approved

26

authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located at the intersection of William S.

27

Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-mutuel

28

facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as

29

table games;

30

     (2) The board of canvassers of the town of Tiverton certifies (or there is certified on its

31

behalf) that the qualified electors of the town of Tiverton have approved authorizing a facility

32

owned by Twin River-Tiverton and located at the intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard

33

and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-

34

operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games; and

 

LC003790 - Page 17 of 28

1

     (3) The department of business regulation, division of racing and athletics, issues to Twin

2

River-Tiverton a license as a pari-mutuel facility, and the department of revenue, state lottery

3

division issues to Twin River-Tiverton a license to offer state-operated video lottery games and a

4

license to offer state-operated casino gaming, such as table games.

5

     (b) With respect to the facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located at the intersection

6

of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton, the authorization of

7

this section shall be effective upon the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section

8

having been met with respect to such facility.

9

     (c) The general assembly finds that:

10

     (1) The operation of casino gaming in the town of Tiverton will play a critical role in the

11

economy of the state and enhance state and local revenues;

12

     (2) Replacing the state-operated gaming facility in the city of Newport with a state-

13

operated gaming facility in the town of Tiverton is desirable to maximize state and local

14

revenues;

15

     (3) Pursuant to Article VI, Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution and the specific

16

powers, authorities and safeguards set forth in subsection (d) of this section in connection with

17

the operation of casino gaming, the state shall have full operational control over casino gaming at

18

the specified location in the town of Tiverton; and

19

     (4) It is in the best interest of the state to have the authorization to operate casino gaming

20

as specified in the town of Tiverton.

21

     (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and pursuant to Article VI, Section

22

15 of the Rhode Island Constitution, the state is authorized to operate, conduct and control casino

23

gaming at the facility of Twin River-Tiverton located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection

24

of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road, subject to the provisions of subsection (a)

25

of this section. In furtherance thereof, the state, through the division of state lottery, shall have

26

full operational control to operate the foregoing facility, the authority to make all decisions about

27

all aspects of the functioning of the business enterprise, including, without limitation, the power

28

and authority to:

29

     (1) Determine the number, type, placement and arrangement of casino gaming games,

30

tables and sites within the facility;

31

     (2) Establish with respect to casino gaming one or more systems for linking, tracking,

32

deposit and reporting of receipts, audits, annual reports, prohibitive conduct and other such

33

matters determined from time to time;

34

     (3) Collect all receipts from casino gaming, require that Twin River-Tiverton collect

 

LC003790 - Page 18 of 28

1

casino gaming gross receipts in trust for the state through the division of state lottery, deposit

2

such receipts into an account or accounts of its choice, allocate such receipts according to law,

3

and otherwise maintain custody and control over all casino gaming receipts and funds;

4

     (4) Hold and exercise sufficient powers over Twin River-Tiverton's accounting and

5

finances to allow for adequate oversight and verification of the financial aspects of casino gaming

6

at the facility, including, without limitation:

7

     (i) The right to require Twin River-Tiverton to maintain an annual balance sheet, profit

8

and loss statement, and any other necessary information or reports; and

9

     (ii) The authority and power to conduct periodic compliance or special or focused audits

10

of the information or reports provided, as well as the premises with the facility containing records

11

of casino gaming or in which the business of Twin River-Tiverton's casino gaming activities are

12

conducted;

13

     (5) Monitor all casino gaming operations and have the power to terminate or suspend any

14

casino gaming activities in the event of an integrity concern or other threat to the public trust and

15

in furtherance thereof, require Twin River-Tiverton to provide a specified area or areas from

16

which to conduct such monitoring activities;

17

     (6) Define and limit the rules of play and odds of authorized casino gaming games,

18

including, without limitation, the minimum and maximum wagers for each casino gaming game;

19

     (7) Establish compulsive gambling treatment programs;

20

     (8) Promulgate, or propose for promulgation, any legislative, interpretive and procedural

21

rules necessary for the successful implementation, administration and enforcement of this

22

chapter; and

23

     (9) Hold all other powers necessary and proper to fully effectively execute and administer

24

the provisions of this chapter for its purpose of allowing the state to operate a casino gaming

25

facility through a licensed video lottery retailer hosting said casino gaming on behalf of the state

26

of Rhode Island.

27

     (e) The state, through the department of revenue, division of state lottery and/or the

28

department of business regulation, shall have approval rights over matters relating to the

29

employment of individuals to be involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino

30

gaming in the town of Tiverton.

31

     (f) Subject to subsection (a) of this section, the state, through the division of state lottery,

32

may issue Twin River-Tiverton new video lottery and casino gaming licenses, to permit video

33

lottery and casino gaming to the extent authorized by this chapter 61.2 of this title.

34

     (g) Subject to subsection (a) of this section, all rules and regulations shall be promulgated

 

LC003790 - Page 19 of 28

1

by the state, through the division of state lottery, in accordance with the authority conferred upon

2

the general assembly pursuant to Article VI, Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution. In

3

accordance therewith, subject to subsection (a) of this section, the state, through the division of

4

state lottery, shall have authority to issue such regulations as it deems appropriate pertaining to

5

control, operation and management of casino gaming as specifically set forth in subsections (b),

6

(c) and (d) of this section.

7

     (h) The Rhode Island state police through its gaming enforcement unit shall have the

8

authority to monitor and investigate criminal violations related to casino gaming activities

9

consistent with chapter 61.3 of this title.

10

     (i) Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, Twin River-Tiverton shall not

11

commence video lottery or casino gaming activities prior to the completion, by the department of

12

transportation, of the already planned roundabout, DOT project #0103S, and funds for such

13

project shall be allocated such that the project is scheduled to be completed, and is completed, by

14

July 1, 2018.

15

     SECTION 4. Nothing in this act shall abrogate or diminish the powers of the state,

16

through the division of state lottery, to conduct and control video lottery terminals pursuant to

17

chapter 61.2 of title 42.

18

     SECTION 5. Pursuant to Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution and

19

notwithstanding the provisions of §41-9-4:

20

     (a) The following question shall be submitted by the secretary of state to the qualified

21

electors of the state at the statewide general election to be held in November of 2016, and the

22

secretary of state shall certify the election results:

23

     "Shall an act be approved which would authorize a facility owned by Twin River-

24

Tiverton, LLC, located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection of William S. Canning

25

Boulevard and Stafford Road, to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated

26

video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games?''

27

     (b) The following question shall be submitted by the local board of canvassers to the

28

qualified electors of the town of Tiverton at the next statewide general election, and the local

29

board of canvassers of the town of Tiverton shall certify (or have certified on its behalf) to the

30

secretary of state the local election results of the electors voting in the town of Tiverton:

31

     "Shall an act be approved which would authorize a facility owned by Twin River-

32

Tiverton, LLC, located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection of William S. Canning

33

Boulevard and Stafford Road, to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated

34

video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games?''

 

LC003790 - Page 20 of 28

1

     SECTION 6. Authorization of Amendments to UTGR and Newport Grand Master

2

Contracts -- Purpose. The general assembly hereby finds that video lottery games and casino

3

games are important sources of revenue for the state. The purpose of the following sections

4

relating to a potential new gaming facility in Tiverton and the cessation of gaming activity in

5

Newport, is to help strengthen the commercial health of all gaming facilities in Rhode Island and

6

to protect and promote, for the people of the state, the public's share of revenues generated

7

thereby. It is the intent of the general assembly that this act, being necessary for the welfare of the

8

state and its citizens, shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate its purposes, including

9

without limitation, the state's attempt to minimize specific commercial risks that threaten the

10

state's gaming facilities and the critical local and state revenue generated thereby.

11

     SECTION 7. Authorization of Amendments to UTGR and Newport Grand Master

12

Contracts -- Definitions. For the purposes of this act the following terms shall have the following

13

meanings, and to the extent that such terms are defined in Chapter 16 of the Public Laws of 2010,

14

as amended, those terms are hereby amended as follows:

15

     (a) "Newport Grand" when it is referring to a legal entity, means Premier Entertainment

16

II. LLC and its permitted successors and assigns under the Newport Grand Master Contract.

17

''Newport Grand," when it is referring to a gaming facility, means Newport Grand Slots, located

18

at 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode Island, unless and until state-operated video

19

lottery games are no longer offered at such facility in Newport and state-operated video lottery

20

games and table games are offered at a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located in

21

Tiverton, Rhode Island, at which time ''Newport Grand" shall mean such Tiverton facility.

22

     (b) "Newport Grand facility" means the gaming and entertainment facility located at 150

23

Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode Island; provided however, once video lottery games are

24

no longer offered at the facility in Newport and video lottery games are offered at the gaming and

25

entertainment facility of Twin River-Tiverton located in the town of Tiverton, all references to

26

''Newport Grand facility" shall refer to such Tiverton facility.

27

     (c) "Twin River-Tiverton" means Twin River-Tiverton LLC, a Delaware Limited

28

Liability Company, being the successor to Newport Grand, LLC under the Newport Grand

29

Master Contract. References herein to "Twin River-Tiverton" shall include its permitted

30

successors and assigns under the Newport Grand Master Contract.

31

     SECTION 8 Authorization of Amendments to UTGR and Newport Grand Master

32

Contracts -- Incorporation of Prior Terms. -- Unless otherwise stated herein, and except to the

33

extent amended by this act, all definitions, conditions, provisions and terms used in Chapter 16 of

34

the public laws of 2010, entitled "An Act Relating to Authorizing the First Amendments to the

 

LC003790 - Page 21 of 28

1

Master Video Lottery Terminal Contracts", as amended, are hereby incorporated herein by

2

reference and shall remain in full force and effect.

3

     SECTION 9. Authorized Procurement of Fifth Amendment to the Newport Grand Master

4

Video Lottery Terminal Contract.- Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws or

5

regulations adopted thereunder to the contrary, the division of state lottery is hereby expressly

6

authorized and directed to enter into with Newport Grand (which, by definition, includes an

7

assignee pursuant to an assignment effected pursuant to the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery

8

Contract) a Fifth Amendment to the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract for

9

the following purposes and containing the following terms and conditions, all of which shall be

10

set forth in more particular detail in the Fifth Amendment:

11

     (a) All references to the facility located 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode

12

Island shall refer to that facility until video lottery games are no longer offered there and video

13

lottery games are offered at a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located in the town of

14

Tiverton, at which time they shall refer to such Tiverton facility.

15

     (b) Section 2.3 of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract, shall be

16

amended to grant the licensed video lottery retailer that is a party to such contract the option to

17

extend the term of such contract for two (2) additional terms of five (5) years each (the

18

"Extension Terms"). The first of the new Extension Terms shall commence on November 23,

19

2020 and continue until November 22, 2025 and the second of the Extension Terms shall

20

commence on November 23, 2025 and continue until November 22, 2030. The exercise of the

21

option to extend for each of the Extension Terms shall be subject to the terms and conditions of

22

Section 2.3 of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract.

23

     (c) A new section shall be added to the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal

24

Contract to provide that, beginning on the date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by

25

Twin-River Tiverton, LLC offers patrons video lottery games and table games, the licensed video

26

lottery retailer that is a party to the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Contract shall be

27

entitled to receive eighty-three and one-half percent (83.5%) of the net table game revenue

28

generated at the facility defined herein as "Newport Grand."

29

     (d) A new section shall be added to the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal

30

Contract to provide that, beginning on the date that the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-

31

Tiverton offers patrons video lottery games and table games, the town of Tiverton shall be

32

entitled to receive: (1) One and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income

33

from authorized video lottery terminals at such facility; and (2) One percent (1%) of the net table

34

game revenue generated at such facility; provided however, that beginning with the first state

 

LC003790 - Page 22 of 28

1

fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery games and table games for all of

2

such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year and each subsequent state fiscal year that such

3

Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery games and table games for all of such state fiscal

4

year, if the town of Tiverton has not received an aggregate of three million dollars ($3,000,000)

5

in the state fiscal year from net table game revenues and net terminal income, combined,

6

generated by such Tiverton facility, then the state shall make up such shortfall to the town of

7

Tiverton out of the state's percentage of net table game revenue and net terminal income (so that

8

the town of Tiverton receives, after accounting for the state make up of such shortfall, an

9

aggregate of three million dollars ($3,000,000) from net table game revenues and net terminal

10

income, combined, with respect to such state fiscal year); provided further however, if in any

11

state fiscal year either video lottery games or table games are no longer offered at such Tiverton

12

facility, then the state shall not be obligated to make up the shortfall referenced in this section.

13

The town of Tiverton shall be a signatory to the amended Newport Grand Master Video Lottery

14

Terminal Contract with regard to this new section.

15

     (e) A new section shall be added to the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal

16

Contract to provide that, after the date that video lottery games and table games are offered to

17

patrons at the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, if the Newport Grand Master

18

Video Lottery Terminal Contract expires or otherwise terminates for any reason prior to the day

19

that would have been the last day of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract

20

had all extension options been exercised and said extension terms continued until their natural

21

expiration (the "Last Possible Day of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal

22

Contract"), then, notwithstanding such expiration or termination of the Newport Grand Master

23

Video Lottery Terminal Contract, provided video lottery games and table games continue to be

24

offered at that Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, until the end of such Last

25

Possible Day of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract, the percentage of

26

net terminal income and the percentage of net table game revenue allocated to the town of

27

Tiverton shall continue to be the same percentage in each case, and shall continue to be subject to

28

the same three million dollar ($3,000,000) minimum annual guarantee, as set forth in the Newport

29

Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract, as amended by this Section 9. If video lottery

30

games and table games are not both offered at that Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-

31

Tiverton, the aforementioned three million dollar ($3,000,000) annual guarantee to the town of

32

Tiverton shall no longer apply. Without affecting other provisions of the Newport Grand Master

33

Video Lottery Terminal Contract that continue in effect notwithstanding the expiration or earlier

34

termination thereof, the state and the town of Tiverton agree that this provision of the Newport

 

LC003790 - Page 23 of 28

1

Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract amendment shall continue in effect

2

notwithstanding the expiration or earlier termination of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery

3

Terminal Contract. The town of Tiverton shall be a signatory to the amended Newport Grand

4

Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract with regard to this new section.

5

     SECTION 10. Authorized Procurement of Fifth Amendment to the UTGR Master Video

6

Lottery Terminal Contract.-- Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws or

7

regulations adopted thereunder to the contrary, the division of state lottery is hereby expressly

8

authorized and directed to enter into with UTGR a Fifth Amendment to the UTGR Master Video

9

Lottery Terminal Contract for the following purposes and containing the following terms and

10

conditions, all of which shall be set forth in more particular detail in the Fifth Amendment:

11

     (a) Section 2.5 of the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract, shall be further

12

amended to grant UTGR the option to extend the term of the UTGR Master Video Lottery

13

Terminal Contract for two (2) additional terms of five (5) years each (the "Extension Terms").

14

The first of the two (2) Extension Terms shall commence on July 18, 2020 and continue until July

15

17, 2025 and the second of the new Extension Terms shall commence on July 18, 2025 and

16

continue until July 17, 2030. The exercise of the option to extend for each of the Extension Terms

17

shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.5 of the UTGR Master Video Lottery

18

Terminal Contract.

19

     (b) A new section shall be added to the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract

20

to provide as follows: Beginning on the date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by

21

Twin River-Tiverton, LLC offers patrons video lottery games and table games, UTGR shall be

22

entitled to receive eighty-three and one-half percent (83.5%) of the net table game revenue

23

generated at the Lincoln facility.

24

     (c) A new section shall be added to the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract

25

to provide that the town of Lincoln shall be entitled to receive:

26

     (1) One and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income from

27

authorized machines at Twin River located in the town of Lincoln; and

28

     (2) That, beginning on the date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin

29

River-Tiverton, LLC offers patrons video lottery games and table games, one percent (1%) of the

30

net table game revenue generated at Twin River in the town of Lincoln; provided however, that

31

beginning with the first state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery

32

games and table games for all of such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year and each

33

subsequent state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery games and

34

table games for all of such state fiscal year, if the town of Lincoln has not received an aggregate

 

LC003790 - Page 24 of 28

1

of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the state fiscal year from net table game revenues and net

2

terminal income, combined, generated by the Twin River facility in the town of Lincoln, then the

3

state shall make up such shortfall to the town of Lincoln out of the state's percentage of net table

4

game revenue and net terminal income (so that the town of Lincoln receives, after accounting for

5

the state make-up of such shortfall, an aggregate of three million dollars ($3,000,000) from net

6

table game revenues and net terminal income, combined, with respect to such state fiscal year);

7

provided further however, if in any state fiscal year either video lottery games or table games are

8

no longer offered at the Tiverton facility, then the state shall not be obligated to make up the

9

shortfall referenced in this section to the town of Lincoln. The town of Lincoln shall be a

10

signatory to the amended UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract with regard to this new

11

section.

12

     (d) A new section shall be added to the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract

13

to provide that, after the date that video lottery games and table games are offered to patrons at

14

the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, if the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal

15

Contract expires or otherwise terminates for any reason prior to the day that would have been the

16

last day of the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract had all extension options been

17

exercised and said extension terms continued until their natural expiration (the "Last Possible Day

18

of the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract"), then, notwithstanding such expiration or

19

termination of the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract, provided: (1) Video lottery

20

games and table games continue to be offered at the Twin River facility owned by UTGR; and (2)

21

Video lottery games and table games continue to be offered at the Tiverton facility owned by

22

Twin River-Tiverton, until the end of such Last Possible Day of the UTGR Master Video Lottery

23

Terminal Contract, the percentage of net terminal income and the percentage of net table game

24

revenue allocated to the town of Lincoln shall continue to be the same percentage in each case,

25

and shall continue to be subject to the same three million dollar ($3,000,000) minimum annual

26

guarantee, as set forth in the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract, as amended by this

27

Section 10. If either of the aforementioned conditions (1) and (2) (or both) of this section no

28

longer applies, the aforementioned three million dollar ($3,000,000) minimum annual guarantee

29

to the town of Lincoln shall no longer apply. Without affecting other provisions of the UTGR

30

Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract that continue in effect notwithstanding the expiration or

31

earlier termination thereof, the state and the town of Lincoln agree that this provision of the

32

UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract amendment shall continue in effect

33

notwithstanding the expiration or earlier termination of the UTGR Master Video Lottery

34

Terminal Contract. The town of Lincoln shall be a signatory to the amended UTGR Master Video

 

LC003790 - Page 25 of 28

1

Lottery Terminal Contract with regard to this new section.

2

     SECTION 11. Section 41-9-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 41-9 entitled

3

"Establishment and Extension of Gambling Activities and Other Facilities" is hereby amended to

4

read as follows:

5

     41-9-4. Town and state election on establishment of facility. -- (a) Before a gambling

6

facility shall be established in any town or city, the town council of the town or the city council of

7

the city shall comply with the following procedure:

8

      (1) Upon receipt of a resolution from the town council of the town or the city council of

9

the city, for a referendum to establish a gambling facility and/or activity, the general assembly

10

shall determine, by passage of an act, whether to allow a referendum on the establishment of the

11

gambling facility and/or activity.

12

      (2) Upon passage of an act to allow a single referendum which shall be considered both a

13

statewide and a local referendum in accordance with Section 22 of Article 6 of the Constitution of

14

Rhode Island for the establishment of the gambling facility and/or activity, at the next general

15

election there shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the state, the following question:

16

"Shall a gambling facility and/or activity be established in the town (or city) of

17

__________________?"

18

     (b) The question shall be submitted by the secretary of state to the qualified electors of

19

the state at the same general election and the secretary of state shall certify the statewide election

20

results, and the local board of canvassers of the city or town where the establishment of a

21

gambling facility or activity is proposed, is authorized and directed to certify the local election

22

results of the electors voting in the city or town on the referendum question, to the secretary of

23

state.

24

     (c) The affirmative vote of the subject town or city and the electors of the state shall be

25

necessary for the approval of the question, and if consent be thus given, all rules and regulations

26

shall be promulgated in accordance with the authority conferred upon the general assembly in R.I.

27

Const., Art. VI, Sec. XV.

28

     (2) Upon passage of an act to allow a referendum for the establishment of the gambling

29

facility and/or activity, the town council of the town or the city council of the city shall pose, by

30

adopting a resolution to be placed on the ballot at the next general election to be submitted to the

31

qualified electors of the town or city and to the qualified electors of the state, the following

32

question: "Shall a gambling facility and/or activity be established in the town (or city) of

33

___________ ?"

34

     (b) The question shall be submitted by the local board of canvassers to the electors of the

 

LC003790 - Page 26 of 28

1

town or city where the facility or activity is to be located, and the results of the election shall be

2

certified to the secretary of state.

3

     (c) The question shall be submitted by the secretary of state to the qualified electors of

4

the state at the same general election and the secretary of state shall certify the election results.

5

     (d) The affirmative vote of the subject town or city and the electors of the state shall be

6

necessary for the approval of the question, and if consent be thus given, all rules and regulations

7

shall be promulgated in accordance with the authority conferred upon the general assembly in R.I.

8

Const., Art. VI, Sec. 15.

9

     SECTION 12. This Section 12, and Sections 5 and 11 of this act shall take effect upon

10

passage of the act. All other sections of this act shall take effect immediately upon, but only if,

11

the requirements of Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution are met, namely:

12

     (i) The certification by the secretary of state that the qualified voters of the state have

13

approved authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and located at the

14

intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be

15

licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated

16

casino gaming, such as table games; and

17

     (ii) The certification by (including on behalf of) the board of canvassers of the town of

18

Tiverton that qualified electors of the town of Tiverton have approved authorizing a facility

19

owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and located at the intersection of William S. Canning

20

Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and

21

offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games.

========

LC003790

========

 

LC003790 - Page 27 of 28

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO SPORTS, RACING, AND ATHLETICS -- AUTHORIZING STATE-

OPERATED GAMING AT A FACILITY IN TIVERTON

***

1

     This act authorizes state-operated gaming at a facility located in the town of Tiverton,

2

subject to voter approval.

3

     Section 12 and Sections 5 and 11 of this act would take effect upon passage of the act.

4

All other sections of this act would take effect immediately upon, but only if, the requirements of

5

Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution are met, namely:

6

     (i) The certification by the secretary of state that the qualified voters of the state have

7

approved authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and located at the

8

intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be

9

licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated

10

casino gaming, such as table games; and

11

     (ii) The certification by (including on behalf of) the board of canvassers of the town of

12

Tiverton that qualified electors of the town of Tiverton have approved authorizing a facility

13

owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and located at the intersection of William S. Canning

14

Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and

15

offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games.

========

LC003790

========

 

LC003790 - Page 28 of 28