ARIZONA STATE SENATE

RESEARCH STAFF

SHERYL RABIN

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 542-3171

Facsimile: (602) 542-7833

TO: MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

DATE: April 2, 2001

SUBJECT: Smith Strike Everything Amendment to H.B. 2012 (licensed domestic farm wineries; requirements) related to definitions; gambling; games of skill or chance

Purpose

Eliminates from inclusion in the definition of “gambling” or “gamble” games or contests that have no element of chance.

Background

Gambling is unlawful in the state of Arizona unless it falls under one of four exceptions: amusement gambling, social gambling, regulated gambling, or gambling that meets certain restrictions and is conducted at fairs.

Under current law, “gambling” or “gamble” means an act of risking or giving something of value for the opportunity to obtain a benefit from a game or contest “of chance or skill.” [A.R.S. section 13-3301 (4)]. Therefore, games that have any element of chance fall under the definition of gambling.

The strike everything amendment removes from the definition of gambling games that are based entirely on skill.

There is no anticipated fiscal impact upon the state general fund.

Provisions

1. Eliminates from inclusion in the definition of “gambling” or “gamble” games or contests that have no element of chance.

2. Provides for a general effective date.

SR/ac