An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Bingo
Sec. 1. 17 MRSA §314-B, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 197, §4, is amended to read:
Sec. 2. 17 MRSA §317, first ¶, as amended by PL 1999, c. 74, §2, is further amended to read:
The Chief of the State Police has the power to adopt rules, not inconsistent with law, that are necessary for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and for the licensing, conduct and operation of the amusement commonly known as "Beano" or "Bingo" and for the permitting and operation of commercial beano halls. The Chief of the State Police has the power and authority to regulate, supervise and exercise general control over the operation of such amusement and commercial beano halls, including, but not limited to, the payment of prizes and the use of equipment. Any A rule adopted by the Chief of the State Police concerning the value of prizes that may be awarded must include a provision that no single prize may exceed $400 in value and that no more than $1,400 $2,000 in total prizes may be awarded on any one occasion. In establishing such rules, which are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A 2-A, the Chief of the State Police must shall, in addition to the standards set forth in other provisions of this chapter, use the following standards setting forth conduct, conditions and activity considered undesirable:
Sec. 3. 17 MRSA §326, sub-§1-A, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 45, §3, is amended to read:
(1) Used to purchase alcohol or to defray the cost of activities where alcohol is served; or
(2) Paid directly to organization members except as specifically allowed in this subsection; and
(1) An application must be made in the form and contain the information the licensing division requires.
(a) In the case of serious illness or injury, the licensing division may require certification by a licensed physician setting out the facts in support of the application.
(b) In the case of a casualty loss, the licensing division may require statements or reports from a law enforcement agency, rescue or other emergency services personnel or an insurance agency to support the application.
(c) The licensing division may deny an application if it appears that the person who would receive the proceeds has adequate means of financial support, including, but not limited to, insurance or workers' compensation benefits . ; and
Sec. 4. 17 MRSA §335, sub-§2-A, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 45, §7, is amended to read:
(1) Used to purchase alcohol or to defray the cost of activities where alcohol is served; or
(2) Paid directly to organization members except as specifically allowed in this section; and
(1) An application must be made in the form and contain the information the licensing division requires.
(a) In the case of serious illness or injury, the licensing division may require certification by a licensed physician in support of the application.
(b) In the case of a casualty loss, the licensing division may require statements or reports from a law enforcement agency, rescue or other emergency services personnel or an insurance agency to support the application.
(c) The licensing division may deny an application if it appears that the person who would receive the proceeds has adequate means of financial support, including, but not limited to, insurance or workers' compensation benefits . ; and
summary
This bill increases the stakes in a winner-take-all round of bingo from $500 to $750. The bill also increases the value of a single prize in a game of bingo from $1,400 to $2,000. The bill also allows an organization licensed to operate beano or bingo games to use part of the proceeds to defray the expense of advertising.