Assigned to GOV                                                                                                               AS PASSED BY THE SENATE

 

 

 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

REVISED

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2381

 

initiative and referendum; pamphlet; signatures

(NOW:  tournament video golf game)

 

Purpose

 

Allows the use of a tournament video golf game of sport in which the player’s skill and not chance determines the player’s success and the player is eligible to win prizes.

 

Background

 

Statute defines gambling as 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.  The promotion of gambling, with the exception of amusement gambling, is prohibited by state law and is classified as a class 5 felony.  Statute also prohibits benefiting from gambling and prescribes a class 1 misdemeanor.

 

Golden Tee Fore is a coin-operated video game based on the game of golf in which the outcome is dependent on the skill efforts of the player and not chance.  Players, upon inserting the required payment, are offered a choice of four types of play.  Some courses consist of nine holes and others consist of 18 holes.  A player selects, at each hole and swing, from among 14 clubs.  The player receives prizes based on the final score. 

 

This measure stipulates that a tournament video golf game is not unlawful in this State.

 

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state general fund associated with this legislation.

 

Provisions

 

1.      Defines a “tournament video golf game” as an interactive simulation of a sport in which the player competes against others in a tournament for prizes and the player’s skill and not chance determines the player’s success as “amusement gambling.”

 

2.      Deems a tournament video golf game lawful.

 

3.      Requires the game to comply with any licensing and regulatory requirements by the jurisdiction in which it is operated.

 

4.      Requires the player to be 18 years of age to be eligible to win prizes.    

 

5.      Repeals the authorization of a tournament video golf game on October 1, 2004.

 

6.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

Amendments Adopted by Committee

 

·        Adopted the strike everything amendment

 

Senate Action

 

GOV                4/25/02     DPA/SE     4-2-0-0

3rd Read           5/13/02                        17-10-3-0

 

           

Prepared by Senate Staff

May 13, 2002