OFF-TRACK PARI-MUTUEL BETTING.

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View NCGA Bill Details2019-2020 Session
Senate Bill 165 (Public) Filed Wednesday, February 27, 2019
AN ACT TO ALLOW THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION TO LICENSE AND REGULATE OFF-TRACK PARI-MUTUEL HORSE RACE WAGERING.
Intro. by Fitch.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate action) (Feb 28 2019)

Bill History:

S 165

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Feb 27 2019 - View Summary

    Enacts new Article 9, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, in GS Chapter 18C. Requires a license to hold off-track pari-mutuel wagering in the state. Defines pari-mutuel wagering as a form of wagering on the outcome of horse  races in which wagers are purchased on a horse or horses and all wagers for each race are pooled and held by the licensed organization for distribution. Specifies information that must be included in an application for an organizational license for holding off-track pari-mutuel wagering and sets the application fee at an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each location authorized in the application, which must be renewed annually.  Sets out requirements for wagering and maintaining records. Allows a license to be denied, revoked, or suspended upon reason to believe that the article or rule has been violated. 

    Requires that at least quarterly, 20% of all money wagered at each licensed location must be remitted to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission (Commission) by the licensed organization and requires the licensee to also submit a copy of the wagering records for the relevant period. Requires these funds to be credited to the North Carolina State Lottery Fund. Requires the Commission to periodically inspect the wagering records maintained by a licensed organization. Allows the Commission, as a condition of licensure, to require an audit of wagering records by an independent certified public accountant and the posting of a bond in an amount not to exceed $1 million. Makes all winnings subject to the State income tax.

    Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to allow a person under the age of 18 to participate in pari-mutuel wagering, for a person under 18 to participate in pari-mutuel wagering, or for winnings to be paid to a person under the age of 18. Sets out allowable defenses to the violation. Prohibits a wager from being made by, and winnings from being paid to, a member of the Commission, the Director, or an employee of the Commission, or to any spouse, parent, or child living in the same household as a disqualified person. 

    Amends GS 18C-103 to define licensed organization, pari-mutuel wagering, and pari-mutuel pool.

    Makes conforming changes by allowing other gaming activities in addition to the lottery.

    Effective January 1, 2020.