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 |