Conference report makes the following changes to the 5th edition:

The Senate recedes from Senate amendment #1, which made the following changes: Renamed proposed GS 14-309.34 as Applicability to employer paid events. Established that it is lawful for an employer to hold a game night event for employees and guests or a trade association to hold a game night event for its members and guests, so long as (1) there is no cost or charge to attendees; (2) the employer or trade association obtains a permit and pays the required fee set out in new GS 14-309.27; and (3) the game night event is held at a qualified facility, as defined in new GS 14-309.25(4). Added that verification of tax-exempt status and licensure or exemption under GS Chapter 131F required by GS 14-309.27(b)(3) and (4) are not required from an applicant for a permit if the applicant is required to obtain the permit pursuant to the provisions of GS 14-309.34 as amended and the applicant is not an exempt organization as defined in GS 14-309.25.

Amends proposed GS 14-309.25 (Definitions), to amend the definition ofgame night to include events sponsored by an employer or trade association under GS 14-309.34.

Amends proposed GS 14-309.34. Amends caption to read Applicability to employer paid events. Authorizes employers or trade associations with 25 or more employees or members, respectively, to hold a game night for their employees or members and guests, and for such persons to participate in the game night, so long as there is no cost or charge to the attendees, the employer or trade association obtains a permit and pays the required fee, and the game night is held at a qualified facility. Subjects game nights under this statute to the limitations of GS 14-309.28 (Limits on game night events) and GS 14-309.30 (Operation of game night events). Includes employers and trade associations under this statute within the definition ofexempt organizationfor GS 14-309.27 (Permit procedure), except that certain verification requirements do not apply to such applicants for a permit under this statute. Makes conducting a game night in violation of this statute a Class 2 misdemeanor, with an additional punishment that the employer or trade association may not conduct a game night for one year from the date of conviction.

Enacts new GS 14-309.35 (Possession and transportation of gaming equipment). Declares possession and transportation of gaming equipment to be lawful, if possessed or transported solely for use in game night events conducted under this Part. Gaming equipment is not subject to seizure under GS 14-298 (Seizure of illegal gaming items).