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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the operation of video lottery games for this state to |
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provide additional money to fund governmental programs; the |
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creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming and Boxing |
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Commission; the powers and duties of the Texas Lottery Commission, |
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the Texas Racing Commission, and the Texas Commission of Licensing |
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and Regulation, and the regulation of casino gaming and other |
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gambling activities in this state; making an appropriation; |
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providing penalties. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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ARTICLE 1. AUTHORIZATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY |
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SECTION 1.01. Section 466.002, Government Code, is amended |
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by amending Subdivisions (2) and (4)-(10) and adding Subdivisions |
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(2-a), (5-a), and (11)-(35) to read as follows: |
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(2) "Communication technology" means the methods used |
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and the components employed to facilitate the transmission of |
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information, including transmission and reception systems that |
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transmit information through wire, cable, radio, microwave, light, |
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optics, or computer data networks. |
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(2-a) "Director" means a [the] director employed by |
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the executive director under Section 467.033 [of the division]. |
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(4) "Disable" with respect to video lottery terminals |
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means the process that causes a video lottery terminal to cease |
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functioning on issuance of a shutdown command from the video |
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lottery central system. |
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(5) "Distribute," with respect to a video lottery |
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terminal, an electronic computer component of a video lottery |
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terminal, the cabinet in which a video lottery terminal is housed, |
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video lottery equipment, or video lottery game software intended |
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for use or play in this state, including on Indian lands in this |
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state, means the sale, lease, marketing, offer, or other |
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disposition of any of those items. |
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(5-a) "Division" means the lottery division |
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established by the commission under Chapter 467. |
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(6) "Electronic storage medium," with respect to video |
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lottery, means the electronic medium on which the operation |
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software for a game playable on a video lottery terminal is stored, |
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in the form of erasable programmable read only memory, compact |
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disc-read only memory, flash random access memory, or other |
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technology medium the commission approves for use in a video |
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lottery terminal. |
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(7) [(4)] "Executive director" means the executive |
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director of the commission. |
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(8) "Gaming agreement" means an agreement authorized |
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under Subchapter K between this state and a federally recognized |
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Indian tribe under which this state allows the tribe to conduct |
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limited gaming activities authorized under this chapter or |
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applicable federal law. |
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(9) "House-banked game" means a game of chance: |
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(A) in which the house plays as a participant; |
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(B) in which the house competes against all |
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players, collects from all losers, and pays all winners; and |
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(C) that the house has an opportunity to win. |
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(10) "Indian lands" means land over which an Indian |
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tribe exercises governmental power and: |
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(A) that was held in trust by the United States on |
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January 1, 1998, for the benefit of the Indian tribe or an |
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individual member of the Indian tribe pursuant to the Restoration |
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Acts (25 U.S.C. Section 731 and 25 U.S.C. Section 1300 et seq.); or |
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(B) on which Class III gaming is permitted under |
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the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (18 U.S.C. Section 1166 et seq. and |
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25 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.). |
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(11) "Institutional investor" means: |
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(A) a state or federal government pension plan; |
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or |
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(B) any of the following that meets the |
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requirements of a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in |
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Rule 144A, Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77a-77aa), |
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and the rules and regulations adopted under that rule by the United |
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States Securities and Exchange Commission: |
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(i) a bank as defined by Section 3(a)(6), |
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Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Sections 78a-78kk), and |
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the rules and regulations adopted under that act by the United |
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States Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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(ii) an insurance company as defined by |
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Section 2(a)(17), Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. Section |
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80a-1 et seq.); |
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(iii) an investment company registered |
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under Section 8, Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. Section |
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80a-1 et seq.); |
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(iv) an employee benefit plan or pension |
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fund subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 |
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(29 U.S.C. Section 1001 et seq.), excluding an employee benefit |
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plan or pension fund sponsored by a publicly traded corporation |
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registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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(v) a group composed entirely of persons |
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specified by this subdivision; or |
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(vi) any other person the commission |
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recognizes as an institutional investor for reasons consistent with |
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the policies expressed in this chapter. |
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(12) [(5)] "Lottery" means the state lottery |
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established and operated in accordance with the Texas Constitution |
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under this chapter and includes the operation of a state-controlled |
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and determined video lottery system [procedures operated by the
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state under this chapter through which prizes are awarded or
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distributed by chance among persons who have paid, or
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unconditionally agreed to pay, for a chance or other opportunity to
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receive a prize]. |
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(13) [(6)] "Lottery game" means an activity conducted |
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lawfully and in accordance with the Texas Constitution and this |
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chapter that is controlled by this state as part of the lottery and |
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through which prizes are awarded or distributed by chance to |
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persons who have paid or unconditionally agreed to pay, or who |
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otherwise participate in a game, for a chance or other opportunity |
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to receive a prize [includes a lottery activity]. |
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(14) [(7)] "Lottery operator" means a person selected |
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under Section 466.014(b) to operate a lottery game. |
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(15) "Manufacture," with respect to a video lottery |
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terminal, an electronic computer component of a video lottery |
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terminal, the cabinet in which a video lottery terminal is housed, |
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video lottery equipment, or video lottery game software intended |
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for use or play in this state, including on Indian lands in this |
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state, means to design, assemble, fabricate, produce, program, or |
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make modifications to any of those items. |
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(16) "Net terminal income" means the total amount of |
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money paid to play video lottery games less the value of all credits |
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redeemed for money, including any progressive prizes and bonuses, |
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by the players of the video lottery games. The costs associated |
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with progressive prizes may not be deducted from the total amount of |
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money paid to play the video lottery games for purposes of |
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determining net terminal income. Promotional prizes offered by a |
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video lottery retailer or video lottery manager may not be deducted |
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or otherwise considered credits redeemed for money by players for |
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the purpose of determining net terminal income. |
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(17) "Pari-mutuel license holder" means a person |
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licensed to conduct wagering on a greyhound race or a horse race |
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under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil |
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Statutes). |
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(18) "Person" means, for purposes of video lottery |
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operations, any natural person, corporation, association, trust, |
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partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, subsidiary, or |
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other entity, regardless of its form, structure, or nature. |
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(19) [(8)] "Player" means a person who contributes any |
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part of the consideration for a ticket or to play a video lottery |
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game under this chapter. |
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(20) "Racetrack" means a racetrack as defined by |
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Section 1.03(25), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas |
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Civil Statutes), that is: |
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(A) a class 1, class 2, or class 3 horse racetrack |
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for which a pari-mutuel license was in effect on June 1, 2007, or |
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for which a person by that date had applied for a pari-mutuel |
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license to conduct horse racing as a class 1 or class 2 racetrack; |
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or |
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(B) a greyhound racetrack for which a pari-mutuel |
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license was in effect on June 1, 2007, or for which a person by that |
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date had applied and qualified for a pari-mutuel license to conduct |
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greyhound racing. |
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(21) [(9)] "Sales agent" or "sales agency" means a |
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person licensed under this chapter to sell tickets. |
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(22) "Slot machine" means a mechanical, electrical, or |
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other type of device, contrivance, or machine that plays or |
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operates on insertion of a coin, currency, token, or similar object |
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or on payment of any other consideration, and the play or operation |
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of which, through the skill of the operator, by chance, or both, may |
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deliver to the person playing or operating the machine, or entitle |
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the person to receive, cash, premiums, merchandise, tokens, or any |
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other thing of value, whether the payoff is made automatically from |
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the machine or in any other manner. The term does not include any |
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equipment, machine, technological aid, or other device used or |
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authorized in connection with the play of bingo under Chapter 2001, |
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Occupations Code. |
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(23) "Substantial interest holder" means any of the |
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following that is not a bona fide lender, bank, or other authorized |
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or licensed lending institution that holds a mortgage or other lien |
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acquired in the ordinary course of business or a vendor of the |
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applicant or license holder that is not otherwise a substantial |
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business holder: |
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(A) a person who directly, indirectly, or |
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beneficially owns any interest in a privately owned corporation, |
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association, trust, partnership, limited partnership, joint |
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venture, subsidiary, or other entity, regardless of its form, |
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structure, or nature; |
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(B) a person who directly, indirectly, or |
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beneficially owns 10 percent or more of any publicly owned |
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corporation, association, trust, partnership, limited partnership, |
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joint venture, subsidiary, or other entity, regardless of its form, |
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structure, or nature; |
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(C) a person associated with an applicant or |
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license holder who the commission determines has the power or |
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authority to: |
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(i) control the activities of the applicant |
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or license holder; or |
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(ii) elect or select the executive |
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director, the managers, the partners, or a majority of the board of |
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directors of the applicant or license holder; and |
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(D) any key personnel of a video lottery retailer |
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or video lottery manager, including an executive director, officer, |
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director, manager, member, partner, limited partner, executive, |
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employee, or agent, who the commission determines has the power to |
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exercise significant influence over decisions concerning any part |
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of the applicant's or license holder's business operation. |
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(24) [(10)] "Ticket" means any tangible evidence |
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issued to provide participation in a lottery game authorized by |
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this chapter other than a video lottery game. |
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(25) "Video lottery central system" means the system |
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of procedures and facilities operated and controlled by the |
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commission that is designed to link together all video lottery |
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terminals operated in this state, determines the outcome of all |
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video lottery games, and allows the commission to continuously |
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monitor the activity of each video lottery terminal and to disable |
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any video lottery terminal in this state. |
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(26) "Video lottery central system provider" means a |
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person that, under a contract with the commission, provides the |
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video lottery central system. |
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(27) "Video lottery equipment" means: |
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(A) a video lottery terminal; |
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(B) equipment, a component, or a contrivance used |
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remotely or directly in connection with a video lottery terminal |
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to: |
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(i) affect the reporting of gross revenue |
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and other accounting information, including a device for weighing |
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and counting money; |
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(ii) connect video lottery terminals |
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together for accounting or wide-area prize or promotional purposes; |
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(iii) monitor video lottery terminal |
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operations; and |
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(iv) provide for the connection of video |
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lottery terminals to the video lottery central system; or |
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(C) any other communications technology or |
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equipment necessary for the operation of a video lottery terminal. |
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(28) "Video lottery game" means an electronically |
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simulated game displayed on a video lottery terminal the outcome of |
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which is determined solely by chance based on a computer-generated |
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random selection of winning combinations of symbols or numbers |
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other than roulette, dice, or baccarat game themes associated with |
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casino gambling, except that game themes displaying symbols that |
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roll on drums to simulate a classic casino slot machine or themes of |
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other card games and keno may be used. |
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(29) "Video lottery manager" means a person who: |
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(A) is licensed by the commission under this |
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chapter to manage a video lottery terminal establishment; or |
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(B) provides management services for a video |
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lottery terminal establishment on Indian lands for an Indian tribe |
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that has entered into an agreement with the governor for the |
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operation of video lottery games. |
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(30) "Video lottery retailer" means a person licensed |
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to operate a video lottery terminal establishment at which video |
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lottery games are conducted under Subchapter K. |
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(31) "Video lottery system" means the system |
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authorized under Subchapter K and controlled and operated by the |
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commission under which individuals play lottery games on video |
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lottery terminals as authorized under that subchapter. |
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(32) "Video lottery terminal" means an interactive |
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electronic device that is capable of displaying video lottery |
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games. |
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(33) "Video lottery terminal establishment" means |
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premises at which the operation of video lottery terminals is |
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authorized by the commission under this chapter in accordance with |
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a license or a gaming agreement. |
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(34) "Video lottery terminal provider" means a person |
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in the business of manufacturing or distributing video lottery |
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terminals in this state. |
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(35) "Video lottery ticket" means the tangible |
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evidence issued by a video lottery terminal to reflect winnings |
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from the play of a video lottery game. |
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SECTION 1.02. Section 466.003, Government Code, is amended |
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by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (c) to read as |
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follows: |
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(b) Any [A] contract or authorized agreement between the |
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division and a lottery operator, the video lottery central system |
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provider, a video lottery terminal provider, or a manufacturer or |
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distributor of video lottery games under Section 466.014(b) must |
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contain a provision allowing the contract or authorized agreement |
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to be terminated without penalty should the division be abolished |
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unless another state agency is assigned to control and supervise |
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all video lottery game activity as required by this chapter. |
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(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), if any gaming agreement |
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that allows video lottery is in effect, the commission or another |
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state agency designated by the legislature must operate, control, |
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and supervise video lottery games as necessary to comply with a |
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gaming agreement under this chapter. |
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SECTION 1.03. Section 466.004(a), Government Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) A political subdivision of this state may not impose: |
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(1) a tax on the sale of a ticket; |
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(2) a tax on the payment of a prize under this chapter; |
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[or] |
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(3) an ad valorem tax on tickets; |
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(4) a tax, fee, or other assessment on consideration |
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paid to play a video lottery game; or |
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(5) a tax or fee for attendance at or admission to a |
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video lottery terminal establishment or a racetrack at which a |
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video lottery terminal establishment is located unless |
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specifically authorized by statute. |
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SECTION 1.04. Section 466.014, Government Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 466.014. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION AND EXECUTIVE |
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DIRECTOR; CONTRACT AUTHORITY. (a) The commission and executive |
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director have broad authority and shall exercise strict control and |
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close supervision over [all] lottery games [conducted in this
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state] to promote and ensure integrity, security, honesty, and |
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fairness in the operation and administration of the lottery. |
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(b) The executive director may contract with or employ a |
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person to perform a function, activity, or service in connection |
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with the operation of the lottery as prescribed by the executive |
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director. A contract relating to the operation of video lottery |
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must be consistent with Subchapter K. Except as provided by this |
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subsection, a [A] person with whom the executive director contracts |
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to operate a lottery game must be eligible for a sales agent license |
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under Section 466.155. A person with whom the executive director |
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contracts to provide the video lottery central system must be |
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eligible under the same standards as those applicable to the |
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registration or approval by the commission of a video lottery |
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terminal provider in accordance with Subchapter K. |
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(c) The executive director may award a contract for lottery |
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supplies, equipment, or services, including a contract under |
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Subsection (b), pending the completion of any investigation and |
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licensing, registration, or other approval authorized or required |
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by this chapter. A contract awarded under this subsection must |
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include a provision permitting the executive director to terminate |
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the contract without penalty if the investigation reveals that the |
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person to whom the contract is awarded would not be eligible for a |
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sales agent license under Section 466.155 or with regard to video |
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lottery does not satisfy the applicable requirements for licensing, |
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registration, or other approval under Subchapter K. |
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(d) In the acquisition or provision of facilities, |
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supplies, equipment, materials, or services related to the |
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implementation of video lottery, the commission must comply with |
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procurement procedures prescribed under: |
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(1) Subtitle D, Title 10; and |
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(2) Section 466.101. |
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SECTION 1.05. Section 466.015(b), Government Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(b) The commission shall adopt rules to the extent they are |
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not inconsistent with Chapters 551 and 552 governing the: |
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(1) security for the lottery and the commission, |
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including the development of an internal security plan; |
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(2) apportionment of the total revenues from the sale |
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of tickets and from all other sources in the amounts provided by |
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this chapter; |
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(3) enforcement of prohibitions on the sale of tickets |
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to or by an individual younger than 21 [18] years of age; [and] |
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(4) enforcement of prohibitions on a person playing a |
|
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lottery game by telephone; and |
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(5) enforcement of prohibitions provided by law on the |
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sale of any purchase or play of a video lottery game. |
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SECTION 1.06. Section 466.017, Government Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 466.017. AUDITS. (a) The commission [executive
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director] shall contract with the state auditor for the state |
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auditor [provide for a certified public accountant] to conduct an |
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independent audit of the commission's annual financial statements |
|
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in accordance with the standards applicable to financial audits |
|
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under the Government Auditing Standards (2003 Revision) issued by |
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the Comptroller General of the United States [for each fiscal year
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of all accounts and transactions of the lottery]. [The certified
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public accountant may not have, as determined by the executive
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director, a significant financial interest in a sales agent,
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lottery vendor, or lottery operator. The certified public
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accountant shall present an audit report to the executive director,
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the commission, the governor, the comptroller, and the legislature
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not later than the 30th day after the submission date for the annual
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financial report required by the General Appropriations Act.
The
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report must contain recommendations to enhance the earnings
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capability of the lottery and improve the efficiency of lottery
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operations. The state auditor may review the results of and working
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papers related to the audit.] |
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(b) The records of a [Each] lottery operator, sales agent, |
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video lottery manager, video lottery retailer, video lottery |
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terminal provider, or video lottery central system provider |
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[operator's and sales agent's records] are subject to audit by the |
|
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commission and the state auditor. For the purpose of carrying out |
|
|
this chapter, the executive director or state auditor may examine |
|
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all books, records, papers, or other objects that the executive |
|
|
director or state auditor determines are necessary for conducting a |
|
|
complete examination under this chapter and may also examine under |
|
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oath any officer, director, or employee of a lottery operator, [or] |
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sales agent, video lottery manager, video lottery retailer, video |
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lottery terminal provider, or video lottery central system |
|
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provider. The executive director or state auditor may conduct an |
|
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examination at the principal office or any other office of the |
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person subject to the audit [lottery operator or sales agent] or may |
|
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require the person [lottery operator or sales agent] to produce the |
|
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records at the office of the commission or state auditor. If a |
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sales agent, video lottery manager, video lottery retailer, video |
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lottery terminal provider, or video lottery central system provider |
|
|
refuses to permit an examination or to answer any question |
|
|
authorized by this subsection, the executive director may summarily |
|
|
suspend the license or certificate of registration of the sales |
|
|
agent, video lottery manager, video lottery retailer, or video |
|
|
lottery terminal provider under Section 466.160 or Subchapter K |
|
|
until the examination is completed as required. A video lottery |
|
|
manager, video lottery retailer, video lottery terminal provider, |
|
|
or video lottery central system provider that is audited as |
|
|
provided by this section is responsible for the costs incurred by |
|
|
the commission or auditor in conducting the audit. Section |
|
|
321.013(h) does not apply to an audit of a lottery operator, [or] |
|
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sales agent, video lottery manager, video lottery retailer, video |
|
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lottery terminal provider, or video lottery central system |
|
|
provider. |
|
|
SECTION 1.07. Section 466.018, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.018. INVESTIGATIONS. The attorney general, the |
|
|
district attorney for Travis County, or the district attorney, |
|
|
criminal district attorney, or county attorney performing the |
|
|
duties of district attorney for the county in which the violation or |
|
|
alleged violation occurred may investigate a violation or alleged |
|
|
violation of this chapter and of the penal laws of this state by the |
|
|
commission or its employees, a sales agent, a lottery vendor, [or] a |
|
|
lottery operator, a video lottery manager, a video lottery |
|
|
retailer, a video lottery terminal provider, or a video lottery |
|
|
central system provider. |
|
|
SECTION 1.08. Sections 466.020(c), (d), and (e), Government |
|
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(c) A security officer or investigator employed by the |
|
|
department of security or a peace officer who is working in |
|
|
conjunction with the commission or the Department of Public Safety |
|
|
in the enforcement of this chapter may: |
|
|
(1) [,] without a search warrant, [may] search and |
|
|
seize a lottery vending machine, lottery computer terminal, video |
|
|
lottery terminal, or other lottery or gaming equipment that is |
|
|
located on premises for which a person holds a sales agent, video |
|
|
lottery retailer, or video lottery manager license issued under |
|
|
this chapter; or |
|
|
(2) seize a lottery vending machine, lottery computer |
|
|
terminal, video lottery terminal, or other lottery or gaming |
|
|
equipment that is being used or is in the possession of any person |
|
|
in violation of this chapter. |
|
|
(d) The Department of Public Safety or any other state or |
|
|
local law enforcement agency in this state, at the commission's |
|
|
request and in accordance with an interagency agreement, shall |
|
|
perform a full criminal background investigation of a prospective |
|
|
deputy or investigator of the department of security. The |
|
|
commission shall reimburse the agency [Department of Public Safety] |
|
|
for the actual costs of an investigation. |
|
|
(e) At least once every two years, the executive director |
|
|
shall employ an independent firm that is experienced in security, |
|
|
including computer security and systems security, to conduct a |
|
|
comprehensive study of all aspects of lottery security, including: |
|
|
(1) lottery personnel security; |
|
|
(2) sales agent security; |
|
|
(3) lottery operator and vendor security; |
|
|
(4) security against ticket counterfeiting and |
|
|
alteration and other means of fraudulent winning; |
|
|
(5) security of lottery drawings; |
|
|
(6) lottery computer, data communications, database, |
|
|
and systems security; |
|
|
(7) lottery premises and warehouse security; |
|
|
(8) security of distribution of tickets; |
|
|
(9) security of validation and payment procedures; |
|
|
(10) security involving unclaimed prizes; |
|
|
(11) security aspects of each lottery game; |
|
|
(12) security against the deliberate placement of |
|
|
winning tickets in lottery games that involve preprinted winning |
|
|
tickets by persons involved in the production, storage, |
|
|
transportation, or distribution of tickets; [and] |
|
|
(13) security of video lottery retailers, video |
|
|
lottery managers, video lottery terminal providers, video lottery |
|
|
terminal establishments, and video lottery central system |
|
|
providers; and |
|
|
(14) other security aspects of lottery operations, |
|
|
including video lottery game operations. |
|
|
SECTION 1.09. Section 466.021(a), Government Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(a) The executive director shall, every two years, employ an |
|
|
independent firm experienced in demographic analysis to conduct a |
|
|
demographic study of lottery players. The study must examine |
|
|
[include] the income, age, sex, race, education, and frequency of |
|
|
participation of players. The study must distinguish between |
|
|
players of traditional lottery games and video lottery games. |
|
|
SECTION 1.10. Section 466.022, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c), (d), and (e) |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
(b) In addition to commission records excepted from |
|
|
disclosure under Chapter 552, the following information is |
|
|
confidential and is exempt from disclosure: |
|
|
(1) security plans and procedures of the commission |
|
|
designed to ensure the integrity and security of the operation of |
|
|
the lottery; |
|
|
(2) information of a nature that is designed to ensure |
|
|
the integrity and security of the selection of winning tickets or |
|
|
numbers in the lottery, other than information describing the |
|
|
general procedures for selecting winning tickets or numbers; [and] |
|
|
(3) the street address and telephone number of a prize |
|
|
winner, if the prize winner has not consented to the release of the |
|
|
information; |
|
|
(4) information relating to all system operations of |
|
|
video lottery games, including the operation of the video lottery |
|
|
system, security related to video lottery games, and commission |
|
|
plans and procedures intended to ensure the integrity and security |
|
|
of the operation of video lottery games; and |
|
|
(5) information that pertains to an applicant's |
|
|
criminal record, antecedents, and background and is furnished to or |
|
|
obtained by the commission from any source, including information |
|
|
obtained by the commission under Section 411.108(d). |
|
|
(c) Information that qualifies as confidential under |
|
|
Subsection (b)(4) or (5) may be disclosed wholly or partly only as |
|
|
necessary to administer this chapter or under a court order. The |
|
|
commission, subject to appropriate procedures, may disclose the |
|
|
information and data to an authorized agent of a political |
|
|
subdivision of this state, the United States, another state or a |
|
|
political subdivision of another state, a tribal law enforcement |
|
|
agency, or the government of a foreign country. |
|
|
(d) For the annual report required under Section 466.016, |
|
|
the commission may disclose a compilation of statistical |
|
|
information that is otherwise confidential under Subsection (b)(4) |
|
|
if the compilation does not disclose the identity of an applicant, |
|
|
license or certificate holder, or video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment. |
|
|
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of state law, the |
|
|
information provided under Subsection (c) or (d) may not otherwise |
|
|
be disclosed without specific commission authorization. |
|
|
SECTION 1.11. Section 466.024, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.024. PROHIBITED GAMES. (a) Except as provided by |
|
|
Chapter 2004, Occupations Code, the [The] executive director, [or] |
|
|
a lottery operator, a video lottery manager, a video lottery |
|
|
retailer, a video lottery terminal provider, or a video lottery |
|
|
central system provider may not establish or operate a lottery game |
|
|
in which the winner is chosen on the basis of the outcome of a sports |
|
|
event. |
|
|
(b) Except as provided by Chapter 2001 or 2005, Occupations |
|
|
Code, the [The commission shall adopt rules prohibiting the] |
|
|
operation of any game using a video lottery machine, slot [or] |
|
|
machine, or other gambling device that is not connected to the video |
|
|
lottery central system and controlled and supervised by the |
|
|
commission is prohibited. |
|
|
(c) In this section, "sports[:
|
|
|
[(1) "Sports] event" means a football, basketball, |
|
|
baseball, or similar game, or a horse or dog race on which |
|
|
pari-mutuel wagering is allowed. |
|
|
[(2)
"Video lottery machine" or "machine" means any
|
|
|
electronic video game machine that, upon insertion of cash, is
|
|
|
available to play or simulate the play of a video game, including
|
|
|
video poker, keno, and blackjack, using a video display and
|
|
|
microprocessors in which the player may receive free games or
|
|
|
credits that can be redeemed for cash, coins, or tokens, or that
|
|
|
directly dispenses cash, coins, or tokens.] |
|
|
SECTION 1.12. Section 466.025, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.025. REPORTS OF TICKETS SOLD, NET TERMINAL INCOME, |
|
|
AND PRIZES AWARDED. For each lottery game, other than a video |
|
|
lottery game, after the last date on which a prize may be claimed |
|
|
under Section 466.408(d), the director shall prepare a report that |
|
|
shows the total number of tickets sold and the number and amounts of |
|
|
prizes awarded in the game. The report must be available for public |
|
|
inspection. For video lottery games, the director shall prepare a |
|
|
weekly report that shows net terminal income for the preceding |
|
|
week. |
|
|
SECTION 1.13. Section 466.103(a), Government Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the executive |
|
|
director may not award a contract for the purchase or lease of |
|
|
facilities, goods, or services related to lottery operations to a |
|
|
person who: |
|
|
(1) would be denied a license as a sales agent under |
|
|
Section 466.155; or |
|
|
(2) with regard to a contract for the purchase or lease |
|
|
of video lottery equipment: |
|
|
(A) is not a registered video lottery terminal |
|
|
provider if a certificate of registration is required; or |
|
|
(B) would be deemed unsuitable to be a video |
|
|
lottery terminal provider under Subchapter K. |
|
|
SECTION 1.14. Section 466.110, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.110. PROHIBITED ADVERTISEMENTS. The legislature |
|
|
intends that advertisements or promotions sponsored by the |
|
|
commission or the division for the lottery not be of a nature that |
|
|
unduly influences any person to purchase a lottery ticket or number |
|
|
or play a video lottery game. |
|
|
SECTION 1.15. Section 466.151(b), Government Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(b) The executive director may establish a provisional |
|
|
license or other classes of licenses necessary to regulate and |
|
|
administer the quantity and type of lottery games provided at each |
|
|
licensed location of a sales agent. |
|
|
SECTION 1.16. Section 466.158(a), Government Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(a) Unless suspended or revoked, a license issued under this |
|
|
subchapter expires on the date specified in the license, which may |
|
|
not be later than the second anniversary of its date of issuance. |
|
|
SECTION 1.17. Section 466.201(a), Government Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(a) The commission is entitled to conduct an investigation |
|
|
of and is entitled to obtain criminal history record information |
|
|
maintained by the Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau |
|
|
of Investigation Identification Division, or another law |
|
|
enforcement agency to assist in the investigation of: |
|
|
(1) a sales agent or an applicant for a sales agent |
|
|
license; |
|
|
(2) a person required to be named in a license |
|
|
application; |
|
|
(3) a lottery operator, video lottery manager, video |
|
|
lottery retailer, video lottery terminal provider, or video lottery |
|
|
central system provider, or prospective lottery operator, video |
|
|
lottery manager, video lottery retailer, video lottery terminal |
|
|
provider, or video lottery central system provider; |
|
|
(4) an employee of a lottery operator, video lottery |
|
|
manager, video lottery retailer, video lottery terminal provider, |
|
|
or video lottery central system provider or prospective lottery |
|
|
operator, video lottery manager, video lottery retailer, video |
|
|
lottery terminal provider, or video lottery central system |
|
|
provider, if the employee is or will be directly involved in lottery |
|
|
operations; |
|
|
(5) a person who manufactures or distributes lottery |
|
|
equipment or supplies, or a representative of a person who |
|
|
manufactures or distributes lottery equipment or supplies offered |
|
|
to the lottery; |
|
|
(6) a person who has submitted a written bid or |
|
|
proposal to the commission in connection with the procurement of |
|
|
goods or services by the commission, if the amount of the bid or |
|
|
proposal exceeds $500; |
|
|
(7) an employee or other person who works for or will |
|
|
work for a sales agent or an applicant for a sales agent license; |
|
|
(8) a person who proposes to enter into or who has a |
|
|
contract with the commission to supply goods or services to the |
|
|
commission; or |
|
|
(9) if a person described in Subdivisions (1) through |
|
|
(8) is not an individual, an individual who: |
|
|
(A) is an officer or director of the person; |
|
|
(B) holds more than 10 percent of the stock in the |
|
|
person; |
|
|
(C) holds an equitable interest greater than 10 |
|
|
percent in the person; |
|
|
(D) is a creditor of the person who holds more |
|
|
than 10 percent of the person's outstanding debt; |
|
|
(E) is the owner or lessee of a business that the |
|
|
person conducts or through which the person will conduct |
|
|
lottery-related activities; |
|
|
(F) shares or will share in the profits, other |
|
|
than stock dividends, of the person; |
|
|
(G) participates in managing the affairs of the |
|
|
person; or |
|
|
(H) is an employee of the person who is or will be |
|
|
involved in: |
|
|
(i) selling tickets; or |
|
|
(ii) handling money from the sale of |
|
|
tickets. |
|
|
SECTION 1.18. Subchapter E, Chapter 466, Government Code, |
|
|
is amended by adding Section 466.206 to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.206. CRIMINAL HISTORY INVESTIGATION FOR VIDEO |
|
|
LOTTERY. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, |
|
|
Sections 466.020 and 466.201, and Subchapter K, a criminal history |
|
|
investigation of a video lottery retailer, video lottery manager, |
|
|
video lottery terminal provider, or video lottery central system |
|
|
provider is governed by commission rules adopted under Subchapter |
|
|
K, which shall consider a criminal history investigation conducted |
|
|
under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil |
|
|
Statutes). |
|
|
(b) The Department of Public Safety or a state or local law |
|
|
enforcement agency in this state, in accordance with an interagency |
|
|
agreement with the commission, shall provide any assistance |
|
|
requested by the commission in the administration and enforcement |
|
|
of this chapter, including conducting background investigations of |
|
|
a person seeking a license, certificate of registration, or other |
|
|
commission authorization required under Subchapter K or of any |
|
|
person required to be named in an application for a license, |
|
|
certificate of registration, or other commission authorization |
|
|
under that subchapter. |
|
|
(c) This section does not limit the commission's right to |
|
|
obtain criminal history record information from any other local, |
|
|
state, or federal agency. The commission may enter into a |
|
|
confidentiality agreement with the agency as necessary and proper. |
|
|
(d) Except as otherwise provided by Section 411.108(d) or |
|
|
another provision of this chapter, criminal history record |
|
|
information obtained by the commission under this section may be |
|
|
disclosed only: |
|
|
(1) to another law enforcement agency to assist in or |
|
|
further an investigation related to the commission's operation and |
|
|
oversight of video lottery; or |
|
|
(2) under a court order. |
|
|
SECTION 1.19. Section 466.252, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.252. PLAYER [PURCHASE OF TICKET] AGREEMENT TO |
|
|
ABIDE BY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS. (a) By purchasing a ticket in a |
|
|
particular lottery game or participating as a player in a lottery |
|
|
game, a player agrees to abide by and be bound by the commission's |
|
|
rules and instructions, including the rules or instructions |
|
|
applicable to the particular lottery game involved. The player |
|
|
also acknowledges that the determination of whether the player is a |
|
|
valid winner is subject to: |
|
|
(1) the commission's rules, instructions, and claims |
|
|
procedures, including those developed for the particular lottery |
|
|
game involved; [and] |
|
|
(2) any validation tests established by the commission |
|
|
for the particular lottery game involved; and |
|
|
(3) the limitations and other provisions prescribed by |
|
|
this chapter. |
|
|
(b) If the lottery uses tickets, an abbreviated form of the |
|
|
rules or a reference to the rules may appear on the tickets. |
|
|
SECTION 1.20. Section 466.3011, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.3011. VENUE. Venue is proper in Travis County or |
|
|
any county in which venue is proper under Chapter 13, Code of |
|
|
Criminal Procedure, for: |
|
|
(1) an offense under this chapter; |
|
|
(2) an offense under the Penal Code, if the accused: |
|
|
(A) is a lottery operator, lottery vendor, sales |
|
|
agent, video lottery manager, video lottery retailer, video lottery |
|
|
terminal provider, video lottery central system provider, or |
|
|
employee of the division; and |
|
|
(B) is alleged to have committed the offense |
|
|
while engaged in lottery activities, including video lottery |
|
|
activities; or |
|
|
(3) an offense that involves property consisting of or |
|
|
including lottery tickets under Title 7 or 11, Penal Code. |
|
|
SECTION 1.21. Subchapter G, Chapter 466, Government Code, |
|
|
is amended by adding Section 466.3031 to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.3031. UNAUTHORIZED OPERATION, USE, OR POSSESSION |
|
|
OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL. (a) A person may not operate, use, or |
|
|
possess a video lottery terminal unless the operation, use, or |
|
|
possession is expressly authorized by this chapter or other law. |
|
|
(b) Except for transport to or from a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment and as provided by this chapter, a person commits an |
|
|
offense if the person operates, uses, or possesses any video |
|
|
lottery terminal that is not at all times connected to the video |
|
|
lottery central system or that does not generate revenue for this |
|
|
state, except funds retained by the commission to pay |
|
|
administrative costs. An offense under this subsection is a felony |
|
|
of the third degree. |
|
|
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), a video lottery |
|
|
retailer, video lottery manager, or registered or approved video |
|
|
lottery terminal provider may store a video lottery terminal as |
|
|
authorized by the commission for a period not to exceed 120 |
|
|
consecutive days, and the commission may possess video lottery |
|
|
terminals for study and evaluation. |
|
|
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit |
|
|
the operation, use, or possession of equipment, machines, |
|
|
technological aids, or other devices allowed in connection with the |
|
|
play of bingo under Chapter 2001, Occupations Code. |
|
|
SECTION 1.22. Section 466.305(a), Government Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(a) A sales agent, video lottery manager, or video lottery |
|
|
retailer, or an employee of a sales agent, video lottery manager, or |
|
|
video lottery retailer, commits an offense if the person |
|
|
intentionally or knowingly sells a ticket to another person or |
|
|
allows the person to play or conduct a game on a video lottery |
|
|
terminal by extending credit or lending money to the person to |
|
|
enable the person to purchase the ticket or play the game. |
|
|
SECTION 1.23. The heading to Section 466.3051, Government |
|
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.3051. SALE OF TICKET OR LOTTERY GAME TO OR PURCHASE |
|
|
OF TICKET OR LOTTERY GAME BY PERSON YOUNGER THAN 21 [18] YEARS OF |
|
|
AGE. |
|
|
SECTION 1.24. Section 466.3051, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
by amending Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) and adding |
|
|
Subsection (a-1) to read as follows: |
|
|
(a) A sales agent or an employee of a sales agent commits an |
|
|
offense if the person intentionally or knowingly sells or offers to |
|
|
sell a ticket to an individual that the person knows is younger than |
|
|
21 [18] years of age. |
|
|
(a-1) A video lottery manager, a video lottery retailer, or |
|
|
an employee of a video lottery manager or video lottery retailer |
|
|
commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly allows |
|
|
a person younger than 21 years of age to play a video lottery game. |
|
|
(b) An individual who is younger than 21 [18] years of age |
|
|
commits an offense if the individual: |
|
|
(1) purchases a ticket; |
|
|
(2) plays a video lottery game; or |
|
|
(3) [(2)] falsely represents the individual to be 21 |
|
|
[18] years of age or older by displaying evidence of age that is |
|
|
false or fraudulent or misrepresents in any way the individual's |
|
|
age in order to purchase a ticket or play a video lottery game. |
|
|
(c) A person 21 [18] years of age or older may purchase a |
|
|
ticket to give as a gift to another person, including an individual |
|
|
younger than 21 [18] years of age. |
|
|
(d) It is a defense to the application of Subsection (b) |
|
|
that the individual younger than 21 [18] years of age is |
|
|
participating in an inspection or investigation on behalf of the |
|
|
commission or other appropriate governmental entity regarding |
|
|
compliance with this section. |
|
|
(e) An offense under Subsection (a) or (a-1) is a Class C |
|
|
misdemeanor. |
|
|
SECTION 1.25. Section 466.3053, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.3053. PURCHASE OF TICKET OR VIDEO LOTTERY GAME |
|
|
WITH PROCEEDS OF AFDC CHECK OR FOOD STAMPS. (a) A person commits an |
|
|
offense if the person intentionally or knowingly purchases a ticket |
|
|
or plays a video lottery game with: |
|
|
(1) the proceeds of a check issued as a payment under |
|
|
the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program administered |
|
|
under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code; or |
|
|
(2) a food stamp coupon issued under the food stamp |
|
|
program administered under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code. |
|
|
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. |
|
|
SECTION 1.26. Section 466.306, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.306. FORGERY; ALTERATION OF TICKET. (a) A person |
|
|
commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly alters |
|
|
or forges a ticket or video lottery ticket. |
|
|
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third |
|
|
degree unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the prize |
|
|
alleged to be authorized by the ticket or video lottery ticket |
|
|
forged or altered is greater than $10,000, in which event the |
|
|
offense is a felony of the second degree. |
|
|
SECTION 1.27. Section 466.309(a), Government Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally |
|
|
or knowingly tampers with, damages, defaces, or renders inoperable |
|
|
any vending machine, electronic computer terminal, video lottery |
|
|
terminal or other video lottery equipment, or other mechanical |
|
|
device used in a lottery game. |
|
|
SECTION 1.28. The heading to Section 466.317, Government |
|
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.317. PROHIBITION AGAINST SALE OF CERTAIN LOTTERY |
|
|
TICKETS OR OPERATION OF CERTAIN VIDEO LOTTERY SYSTEMS. |
|
|
SECTION 1.29. Section 466.317, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
by adding Subsection (a-1) and amending Subsections (b) and (c) to |
|
|
read as follows: |
|
|
(a-1) A person may not control or operate a video lottery |
|
|
system in this state except as provided by this chapter. |
|
|
(b) The state may enter into a compact with another state or |
|
|
state government [or an Indian tribe or tribal government] to |
|
|
permit the sale of lottery tickets of this state in the state's[,
|
|
|
tribe's,] or government's jurisdiction and to allow the sale of the |
|
|
state's[, tribe's,] or government's lottery tickets in this state. |
|
|
(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this |
|
|
section. An offense under this section is a felony of the third |
|
|
degree [Class A misdemeanor]. |
|
|
SECTION 1.30. Section 466.355, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as |
|
|
follows: |
|
|
(a) The state lottery account is a special account in the |
|
|
general revenue fund. The account consists of all revenue received |
|
|
from the sale of tickets, license and application fees under this |
|
|
chapter, other than Subchapter K [chapter], and all money credited |
|
|
to the account from any other fund or source under law. Interest |
|
|
earned by the state lottery account shall be deposited in the |
|
|
unobligated portion of the general revenue fund. |
|
|
(d) Immediately after the comptroller makes the August |
|
|
transfer to the foundation school fund under Subsection (b)(4) and |
|
|
the transfer to the foundation school fund for the following |
|
|
September 15 under Subsection (c), the comptroller shall determine |
|
|
whether the total amount transferred to the foundation school fund |
|
|
from the state lottery fund in the current fiscal year is less than |
|
|
the total amount transferred to the foundation school fund from the |
|
|
state lottery account in the fiscal year ending August 31, 2007. If |
|
|
the comptroller determines that the total amount transferred to the |
|
|
foundation school fund in the current fiscal year is less than the |
|
|
total amount transferred in the fiscal year ending August 31, 2007, |
|
|
the comptroller not later than August 31 shall transfer to the |
|
|
foundation school fund from the state video lottery account in the |
|
|
general revenue fund an amount equal to the difference. |
|
|
SECTION 1.31. Subchapter H, Chapter 466, Government Code, |
|
|
is amended by adding Section 466.360 to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.360. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL REVENUE. Revenue |
|
|
generated from the operation of video lottery terminals is governed |
|
|
by Subchapter K and commission rules. |
|
|
SECTION 1.32. Section 466.402, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows: |
|
|
(e) This section does not apply to the payment of prizes for |
|
|
video lottery games governed by Subchapter K. |
|
|
SECTION 1.33. Section 466.409, Government Code, is amended |
|
|
to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 466.409. TREATMENT OF PRIZE PAYABLE ON TICKET PURCHASE |
|
|
BY INELIGIBLE PERSON. If an individual listed in Section 466.254 |
|
|
purchases a ticket or claims or otherwise attempts to collect or |
|
|
receive a lottery prize or a share of a lottery prize or an |
|
|
individual younger than 21 [18] years of age directly purchases a |
|
|
ticket, the individual is not eligible to receive a prize or share |
|
|
of a prize, and the prize or share of a prize otherwise payable on |
|
|
the ticket is treated as an unclaimed prize as provided by Section |
|
|
466.408. |
|
|
SECTION 1.34. Chapter 466, Government Code, is amended by |
|
|
adding Subchapter K to read as follows: |
|
|
SUBCHAPTER K. VIDEO LOTTERY |
|
|
Sec. 466.501. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS. The |
|
|
legislature finds and declares the following: |
|
|
(1) This state's public policy prohibiting gambling is |
|
|
subject only to limited exceptions provided by the Texas Racing Act |
|
|
(Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) or enumerated in the |
|
|
Texas Constitution and approved by the voters. |
|
|
(2) Any game that is a lottery cannot lawfully be |
|
|
operated in this state unless the game is excepted from the |
|
|
constitutional prohibition against lotteries. In 1991, the |
|
|
electorate approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the |
|
|
state to operate lotteries. In 2007, the electorate approved a |
|
|
constitutional amendment allowing expansion of the existing state |
|
|
lottery through a state-controlled video lottery system allowing |
|
|
video lottery terminals connected to a state-controlled and |
|
|
determined video lottery central system to be placed at locations |
|
|
determined in accordance with law enacted by the legislature. |
|
|
(3) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to carry |
|
|
out the intent of the voters as established by the approval of |
|
|
Section 47-a, Article III, Texas Constitution. |
|
|
(4) The people of this state intend to allow only |
|
|
state-controlled video lottery games to be conducted in this state |
|
|
and only in locations licensed by this state to operate video |
|
|
lottery terminals or at locations on Indian lands under an |
|
|
agreement between this state and the appropriate Indian tribe. |
|
|
(5) This state has the authority and responsibility to |
|
|
control the proliferation of gambling by: |
|
|
(A) limiting the total number of video lottery |
|
|
terminals permitted at authorized locations in this state; |
|
|
(B) limiting video lottery to licensed |
|
|
establishments; |
|
|
(C) extending strict and exclusive state |
|
|
oversight and supervision to all persons, locations, practices, and |
|
|
associations related to the operation of video lottery games; and |
|
|
(D) providing comprehensive law enforcement |
|
|
supervision of video lottery game activities. |
|
|
(6) This state's ability to monitor and control the |
|
|
operation of all video lottery terminals ensures the integrity of |
|
|
the system and provides for the most efficient oversight and |
|
|
supervision. Costs incurred for oversight and supervision of |
|
|
gambling will be significantly less than if video lottery terminals |
|
|
were not operated as part of the video lottery system. In addition, |
|
|
providing for the state-controlled and determined system will |
|
|
defend against criminal infiltration of gambling operations. |
|
|
(7) The video lottery games operated at video lottery |
|
|
terminal establishments under this chapter are controlled and |
|
|
determined by this state in a manner that allows this state to |
|
|
continuously monitor all video lottery terminals and to disable any |
|
|
video lottery terminal for the protection of the public and this |
|
|
state. |
|
|
(8) Through the video lottery system this state will |
|
|
monitor the network of video lottery terminals to ensure maximum |
|
|
security unique to state-operated gambling. Except as may |
|
|
otherwise be required by federal law governing Indian lands, each |
|
|
operating video lottery terminal in this state will be connected to |
|
|
a video lottery central system. |
|
|
(9) By limiting the operation of video lottery |
|
|
terminals to those connected to the state-controlled and determined |
|
|
video lottery system and to certain lands and certain types of |
|
|
games, the legislature seeks to foster this state's legitimate |
|
|
sovereign interest in regulating the growth of gambling activities |
|
|
in this state. Limiting video lottery terminals to those |
|
|
controlled by this state and located at licensed establishments is |
|
|
reasonably designed to defend against the criminal infiltration of |
|
|
gambling operations and adverse impacts on communities statewide. |
|
|
By restricting video lottery terminals to limited locations and |
|
|
video lottery terminals controlled by this state that may be |
|
|
disabled by this state if necessary to protect the public, this |
|
|
chapter furthers the state's purpose of ensuring that such gambling |
|
|
activities are free from criminal and undesirable elements. |
|
|
(10) This chapter is game-specific and may not be |
|
|
construed to allow the operation of any other form of gambling |
|
|
unless specifically allowed by this chapter. This chapter does not |
|
|
allow the operation of slot machines, dice games, roulette wheels, |
|
|
house-banked games, including house-banked card games, or games in |
|
|
which winners are determined by the outcome of a sports contest that |
|
|
are prohibited under other state law. |
|
|
(11) To effectuate the will of the voters, any video |
|
|
lottery games on lands of Indian tribes must be in strict compliance |
|
|
with state law, unless otherwise required by federal law, or in |
|
|
accordance with a gaming agreement negotiated with the governor and |
|
|
ratified by the legislature. |
|
|
(12) This state has conferred a substantial economic |
|
|
benefit on federally recognized Indian tribes by allowing operation |
|
|
of video lottery terminals on lands held in trust by the Indian |
|
|
tribes and on Indian lands on which gaming is allowed under |
|
|
applicable federal law. Federally recognized Indian tribes have |
|
|
the exclusive right to operate video lottery terminals at locations |
|
|
on the Indian lands in this state without incurring the investment |
|
|
necessary to construct, maintain, and operate racetracks for live |
|
|
racing, and through revenue-sharing both the policy of |
|
|
self-governance for the tribes and this state's interests in |
|
|
generating additional revenue to fund governmental programs can be |
|
|
promoted. |
|
|
(13) The public has an interest in video lottery game |
|
|
operations, and other gaming operations conducted under Section |
|
|
47-a, Article III, Texas Constitution, and this chapter represent |
|
|
an exception to the general policy of this state prohibiting |
|
|
wagering for private gain. Therefore, participation in a video |
|
|
lottery game by a holder of a license, certificate of registration, |
|
|
or approval under this chapter is considered a privilege |
|
|
conditioned on the proper and continued qualification of the holder |
|
|
and on the discharge of the affirmative responsibility of each |
|
|
holder to provide to the commission or other regulatory and |
|
|
investigatory authorities established by this chapter any |
|
|
assistance and information necessary to assure that the policies |
|
|
declared by this chapter are achieved. Consistent with this |
|
|
policy, the legislature intends this chapter to: |
|
|
(A) preclude the creation of any property right |
|
|
in any license, certificate of registration, or approval issued or |
|
|
granted by this state under this chapter, the accrual of any value |
|
|
to the privilege of participation in any video lottery game |
|
|
operation, or the transfer of a license or certificate; and |
|
|
(B) require that participation in video lottery |
|
|
game operations be solely conditioned on the individual |
|
|
qualifications of persons seeking this privilege. |
|
|
(14) Only video lottery terminals lawfully operated in |
|
|
connection with a video lottery system authorized by this |
|
|
subchapter may be lawfully operated on Indian lands under the |
|
|
Johnson Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1175). |
|
|
Sec. 466.502. CONSTRUCTION; APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAWS. |
|
|
(a) Nothing contained in this chapter may be construed to |
|
|
implicitly repeal or modify existing state laws with respect to |
|
|
gambling, except that the state lottery and video lottery terminals |
|
|
are not prohibited by another law if conducted as authorized under |
|
|
this subchapter. |
|
|
(b) To the extent of any inconsistency between Chapter 2003 |
|
|
and this subchapter or a commission rule governing video lottery |
|
|
terminals, this subchapter or the commission rule controls in all |
|
|
matters related to video lottery terminals, including hearings |
|
|
before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. |
|
|
(c) Video lottery equipment operated under commission |
|
|
authority and this chapter is exempt from 15 U.S.C. Section 1172. |
|
|
Sec. 466.503. AUTHORITY TO OPERATE VIDEO LOTTERY SYSTEM. |
|
|
(a) The commission may implement and operate a video lottery system |
|
|
and control the operation of video lottery terminals at video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishments in accordance with this chapter |
|
|
and, for a video lottery terminal establishment at a racetrack, the |
|
|
Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes). |
|
|
This chapter supersedes any conflicting or inconsistent provision |
|
|
of the Texas Racing Act. |
|
|
(b) The commission may allow the operation of video lottery |
|
|
terminals pursuant to this chapter at locations on Indian lands in |
|
|
accordance with an effective gaming agreement and in compliance |
|
|
with applicable federal law. |
|
|
Sec. 466.504. VIDEO LOTTERY GAMES; STATE OWNERSHIP AND |
|
|
PROPRIETARY INTEREST. (a) This state must own all video lottery |
|
|
games conducted through the video lottery system, regardless of |
|
|
ownership of the video lottery terminal on which the game is played. |
|
|
This state must possess a proprietary interest in: |
|
|
(1) the main logic boards and any electronic storage |
|
|
medium used in video lottery equipment or games; and |
|
|
(2) software consisting of computer programs, |
|
|
documentation, and other related materials necessary for the |
|
|
operation of the video lottery system. |
|
|
(b) For purposes of this chapter, this state may acquire a |
|
|
proprietary interest in video lottery game software through: |
|
|
(1) ownership of the software; or |
|
|
(2) an exclusive product license agreement with a |
|
|
provider in which the provider retains copyrighted ownership of the |
|
|
software but the license granted to this state is nontransferable |
|
|
and authorizes this state to operate the software program, solely |
|
|
for the state's own use, on the video lottery central system and |
|
|
video lottery terminals connected to the video lottery central |
|
|
system. |
|
|
Sec. 466.505. STATE CONTROL OF VIDEO LOTTERY SYSTEM. (a) |
|
|
The commission shall control and operate the video lottery system |
|
|
and the video lottery central system. |
|
|
(b) The commission may disable a video lottery terminal if a |
|
|
video lottery retailer's or video lottery manager's license is |
|
|
revoked, surrendered, or summarily suspended under this |
|
|
subchapter. |
|
|
Sec. 466.506. VIDEO LOTTERY CENTRAL SYSTEM. (a) The |
|
|
commission shall establish or cause to be established a video |
|
|
lottery central system to link all video lottery terminals in the |
|
|
video lottery system through which the commission has the exclusive |
|
|
and unilateral ability to: |
|
|
(1) control and determine the outcome of all video |
|
|
lottery games; |
|
|
(2) monitor activity of video lottery terminals and |
|
|
remotely disable video lottery terminals for the public safety, |
|
|
health, and welfare or the preservation of the integrity of the |
|
|
lottery; and |
|
|
(3) provide the auditing and other information |
|
|
required by the commission. |
|
|
(b) The video lottery central system must be a central |
|
|
determinant system that communicates lottery outcomes from a |
|
|
central determination computer to video lottery terminals in a |
|
|
manner prescribed by the commission. |
|
|
(c) The commission shall provide to a registered video |
|
|
lottery terminal provider or an applicant applying for a |
|
|
certificate of registration as a video lottery terminal provider |
|
|
the protocol documentation data necessary to enable the provider's |
|
|
or applicant's video lottery terminals to communicate with the |
|
|
commission's video lottery central system for the transmission of |
|
|
auditing information and for activation and disabling of video |
|
|
lottery terminals. |
|
|
(d) The video lottery central system may not limit or |
|
|
preclude potential providers from providing the video lottery |
|
|
terminals, other than providers that fail to meet specifications |
|
|
established by the commission. |
|
|
(e) The video lottery central system provider may not sell |
|
|
or distribute video lottery terminals in this state. |
|
|
(f) The commission may contract with a video lottery central |
|
|
system provider to establish the video lottery central system. |
|
|
(g) The commission may not contract with a person to provide |
|
|
the video lottery central system if within the preceding five years |
|
|
that person owned any interest in a racetrack or pari-mutuel |
|
|
license in this state. |
|
|
Sec. 466.507. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL PROVIDER: |
|
|
REGISTRATION OR APPROVAL REQUIRED. (a) A person may not |
|
|
manufacture or distribute video lottery equipment for use or play |
|
|
in this state unless the person is registered as a video lottery |
|
|
terminal provider or is otherwise approved by the commission to |
|
|
manufacture or distribute video lottery equipment in this state. |
|
|
(b) A person who manufactures and distributes video lottery |
|
|
terminals must obtain a separate certificate of registration or |
|
|
commission approval for each of those activities. |
|
|
(c) Unless suspended or revoked, the certificate of |
|
|
registration or approval expires on the date specified by the |
|
|
commission, which may not be later than the fifth anniversary of the |
|
|
date of issuance of the certificate or approval. A person may renew |
|
|
an unexpired certificate of registration or approval by paying a |
|
|
renewal fee in the amount determined by the commission to cover the |
|
|
costs of administering the renewal application and complying with |
|
|
the requirements of this subchapter and commission rule. |
|
|
(d) To be eligible for a certificate of registration or |
|
|
commission approval as required by this section, an applicant must |
|
|
satisfy all applicable requirements under this subchapter. |
|
|
Sec. 466.508. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL PROVIDER: APPLICATION; |
|
|
CHANGE IN INFORMATION. (a) The commission shall adopt rules |
|
|
governing the registration or approval of video lottery terminal |
|
|
providers. The rules must require: |
|
|
(1) the application and any other form or document |
|
|
submitted to the commission by or on behalf of the applicant to |
|
|
determine the applicant's qualification under this section to be |
|
|
sworn to or affirmed before an officer qualified to administer |
|
|
oaths; and |
|
|
(2) the certificate of registration or approval to |
|
|
designate whether the provider is a manufacturer or distributor. |
|
|
(b) An applicant seeking registration or approval as a video |
|
|
lottery terminal provider to manufacture and distribute video |
|
|
lottery terminals in this state may apply for both approvals or |
|
|
certificates of registration in a single application. |
|
|
(c) An applicant for a video lottery terminal provider |
|
|
certificate of registration or approval must provide the following |
|
|
information: |
|
|
(1) the full name and address of the applicant; |
|
|
(2) the full name and address of each location at which |
|
|
video lottery equipment is or will be manufactured or stored in this |
|
|
state; |
|
|
(3) the name, home address, and share of ownership of |
|
|
the applicant's substantial interest holders; |
|
|
(4) a full description of each separate type of video |
|
|
lottery equipment that the applicant seeks to manufacture or |
|
|
distribute in this state; |
|
|
(5) the brand name under which each type of video |
|
|
lottery equipment is to be distributed; |
|
|
(6) if the applicant is incorporated under law other |
|
|
than the laws of this state, the applicant's irrevocable |
|
|
designation of the secretary of state as the applicant's resident |
|
|
agent for service of process and notice in accordance with the law |
|
|
of this state; |
|
|
(7) a list of all businesses or organizations in this |
|
|
state in which the applicant has any financial interest and the |
|
|
details of that financial interest, including all arrangements |
|
|
through which a person directly or indirectly receives any portion |
|
|
of the profits of the video lottery terminal provider and |
|
|
indebtedness between the license holder and any other person, other |
|
|
than a regulated financial institution, in excess of $5,000; |
|
|
(8) a list of all affiliated businesses or |
|
|
corporations in which the applicant or an officer, director, or |
|
|
substantial interest-holder of the applicant, either directly or |
|
|
indirectly, owns or controls as a sole proprietor or partner more |
|
|
than 10 percent of the voting stock of a publicly traded |
|
|
corporation; |
|
|
(9) a list of all businesses or corporations licensed |
|
|
to conduct gambling activities or to supply gambling-related |
|
|
equipment, supplies, or services in which the applicant or an |
|
|
officer, director, or substantial interest-holder of the applicant |
|
|
has any interest; |
|
|
(10) a list of all jurisdictions in which the |
|
|
applicant or an officer, director, or substantial interest-holder |
|
|
of the applicant has been licensed, registered, qualified, or |
|
|
otherwise approved to conduct gambling-related activities during |
|
|
the 10 years preceding the date of the filing of the application; |
|
|
(11) a statement, including all related details, |
|
|
indicating whether the applicant or an officer, director, or |
|
|
substantial interest-holder of the applicant has ever had a |
|
|
license, registration, qualification, or other approval for |
|
|
gambling-related activities denied, revoked, or suspended by any |
|
|
jurisdiction or has been fined or otherwise required to pay |
|
|
penalties or monetary forfeitures for gambling-related activities |
|
|
in any jurisdiction; and |
|
|
(12) a statement acknowledging that the applicant will |
|
|
make available for review at the time and place requested by the |
|
|
commission all records related to the ownership or operation of the |
|
|
business. |
|
|
(d) The commission may require the following information |
|
|
from an applicant: |
|
|
(1) personal financial and personal history records of |
|
|
all substantial interest-holders; |
|
|
(2) all records related to the scope of activity, |
|
|
including sales of product, purchases of raw materials and parts, |
|
|
and any contracts, franchises, patent agreements, or similar |
|
|
contracts or arrangements related to manufacturing or distributing |
|
|
video lottery terminals; and |
|
|
(3) records related to any financial or management |
|
|
control of or by customers and suppliers. |
|
|
(e) The applicant must: |
|
|
(1) demonstrate the ability to comply with all |
|
|
manufacturing, quality control, and operational restrictions |
|
|
imposed on authorized video lottery equipment, patented or |
|
|
otherwise restricted video lottery games, or other video lottery |
|
|
equipment that the applicant seeks to manufacture or distribute for |
|
|
use in this state; and |
|
|
(2) submit to an on-site review of the applicant's |
|
|
manufacturing equipment and process for each separate type of |
|
|
authorized video lottery equipment to ensure compliance with the |
|
|
requirements of this chapter and commission rules. |
|
|
(f) Not later than the 10th day after the date of any change |
|
|
in the information submitted on or with the application form, the |
|
|
applicant shall notify the commission of the change, including a |
|
|
change that occurs after the certificate of registration or other |
|
|
commission approval has been granted. |
|
|
(g) The applicant shall comply with all federal and state |
|
|
laws, local ordinances, and rules. |
|
|
Sec. 466.509. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL PROVIDER: APPLICATION |
|
|
AND CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OR APPROVAL FEE. (a) An applicant |
|
|
seeking certificate of registration or approval or renewal of |
|
|
registration or approval as a video lottery terminal provider must |
|
|
pay a nonrefundable application fee in the amount of $100,000 and an |
|
|
annual fee due on each anniversary of initial registration or |
|
|
approval of $100,000. |
|
|
(b) An applicant seeking registration or approval as both a |
|
|
manufacturer and distributor must pay a separate application and |
|
|
annual fee for each registration or approval. |
|
|
(c) Application fees paid under this section shall be |
|
|
retained by the commission to defray costs incurred in the |
|
|
administration and enforcement of this chapter relating to the |
|
|
operation of video lottery terminals. |
|
|
Sec. 466.510. VIDEO LOTTERY RETAILER OR VIDEO LOTTERY |
|
|
MANAGER LICENSE REQUIRED. Except as provided by Chapter 2005, |
|
|
Occupations Code, or a gaming agreement, a person may not own or |
|
|
operate a video lottery terminal if the person does not satisfy the |
|
|
requirements of this subchapter and is not licensed by the |
|
|
commission to act as a video lottery retailer or video lottery |
|
|
manager. |
|
|
Sec. 466.511. VIDEO LOTTERY RETAILER OR VIDEO LOTTERY |
|
|
MANAGER: APPLICATION AND QUALIFICATION. (a) An applicant for a |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager license must apply |
|
|
to the commission under rules adopted by the commission, provide |
|
|
the information necessary to determine the applicant's eligibility |
|
|
for a license, and provide other information considered necessary |
|
|
by the commission. |
|
|
(b) Except as provided by other law, an applicant for a |
|
|
video lottery retailer license must hold a valid racing license |
|
|
granted under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas |
|
|
Civil Statutes) and operate a racetrack as defined by Section |
|
|
466.002. |
|
|
(c) An applicant for a video lottery manager license must: |
|
|
(1) have a valid and executed contract with a |
|
|
racetrack that satisfies the requirements of Subsection (b) to act |
|
|
as a video lottery manager for the racetrack subject to licensing |
|
|
under this chapter; or |
|
|
(2) demonstrate to the commission's satisfaction that |
|
|
the applicant seeks to act as a video lottery manager for a |
|
|
federally recognized Indian tribe that has entered into a gaming |
|
|
agreement with this state that is in effect and governs the |
|
|
regulation of video lottery terminals on Indian lands in this |
|
|
state. |
|
|
(d) Each officer, partner, director, key employee, |
|
|
substantial interest-holder, video lottery game operation |
|
|
employee, and owner of video lottery game operations must be |
|
|
eligible and maintain eligibility in accordance with this |
|
|
subchapter to be involved in video lottery games in this state. |
|
|
(e) An applicant for a video lottery retailer or video |
|
|
lottery manager license has the burden of proving qualification for |
|
|
a license by clear and convincing evidence. In addition to |
|
|
satisfying minimum requirements established by commission rules, |
|
|
an applicant for a video lottery retailer or video lottery manager |
|
|
license must: |
|
|
(1) be a person of good character, honesty, and |
|
|
integrity; |
|
|
(2) be a person whose background and prior activities, |
|
|
including criminal record, reputation, habits, and associations, |
|
|
do not pose a threat to the security and integrity of video lottery |
|
|
or to the public interest of this state or to the effective |
|
|
operation and control of video lottery, or do not create or enhance |
|
|
the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, |
|
|
and activities in the conduct of video lottery or in the carrying on |
|
|
of the business and financial arrangements incidental to video |
|
|
lottery; |
|
|
(3) if applying for a new license, provide |
|
|
fingerprints for a criminal records evaluation by the Texas |
|
|
Department of Public Safety or other law enforcement agency, |
|
|
including fingerprints for each person required to be named in an |
|
|
application, accompanied by a signed authorization for the release |
|
|
of information to the commission by the department of public safety |
|
|
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; |
|
|
(4) not have been convicted of an offense under this |
|
|
chapter or of any crime related to theft, bribery, gambling, or |
|
|
involving moral turpitude; |
|
|
(5) demonstrate adequate business probity, |
|
|
competence, experience, and financial stability as defined by the |
|
|
commission; |
|
|
(6) demonstrate adequate financing for the operation |
|
|
of the facility at which the video lottery terminals will be |
|
|
operated from a source that meets the requirements of this |
|
|
subchapter and is adequate to support the successful performance of |
|
|
the duties and responsibilities of the license holder and disclose |
|
|
all financing or refinancing arrangements for the purchase, lease, |
|
|
or other acquisition of video lottery equipment in the degree of |
|
|
detail requested by the commission; |
|
|
(7) when applying for a new license or renewing a |
|
|
license under this chapter, present evidence to the commission of |
|
|
the existence and terms of any agreement regarding the proceeds |
|
|
from the operation of video lottery terminals; |
|
|
(8) demonstrate that each substantial interest-holder |
|
|
in the applicant meets all applicable qualifications under this |
|
|
subchapter; |
|
|
(9) provide all information, including financial data |
|
|
and documents, consents, waivers, and any other materials, |
|
|
requested by the commission for purposes of determining |
|
|
qualifications for a license; and |
|
|
(10) as part of its application, expressly waive any |
|
|
and all claims against the commission, this state, and a member, |
|
|
officer, employee, or authorized agent of the commission or this |
|
|
state for damages resulting from any background investigation, |
|
|
disclosure, or publication relating to an application for a video |
|
|
lottery retailer or video lottery manager license. |
|
|
(f) An application or disclosure form and any other document |
|
|
submitted to the commission by or on behalf of the applicant for |
|
|
purposes of determining qualification for a video lottery retailer |
|
|
or video lottery manager license must be sworn to or affirmed before |
|
|
an officer qualified to administer oaths. |
|
|
(g) An applicant who knowingly fails to reveal any fact |
|
|
material to qualification for a license, finding of suitability, or |
|
|
other approval or who knowingly submits false or misleading |
|
|
material information is ineligible for a video lottery retailer or |
|
|
video lottery manager license. |
|
|
(h) An applicant for a license or renewal of a license as a |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager shall notify the |
|
|
commission of any change in the application information for a |
|
|
license or renewal of a license not later than the 10th day after |
|
|
the date of the change, except that a publicly traded corporation or |
|
|
other business association or entity applicant is not required to |
|
|
notify the commission of a transfer by which any person directly or |
|
|
indirectly becomes the beneficial owner of less than 10 percent of |
|
|
the stock of the corporation or association. |
|
|
(i) Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, the |
|
|
commission shall deny an application for a license or shall suspend |
|
|
or revoke a license if the commission finds that the applicant would |
|
|
be subject to denial or revocation of a sales agent license under |
|
|
Section 466.155. |
|
|
Sec. 466.512. VIDEO LOTTERY RETAILER OR VIDEO LOTTERY |
|
|
MANAGER: APPLICATION AND ANNUAL LICENSE FEES. (a) An applicant for |
|
|
a video lottery retailer or video lottery manager license must pay a |
|
|
nonrefundable application fee in the amount of: |
|
|
(1) $500,000 for an applicant applying to operate a |
|
|
video lottery terminal establishment at a class 1 racetrack or a |
|
|
greyhound racetrack; or |
|
|
(2) $200,000 for an applicant applying to operate a |
|
|
video lottery terminal establishment at a class 2 or class 3 |
|
|
racetrack. |
|
|
(b) A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager must |
|
|
pay an annual license fee due on each anniversary of initial |
|
|
licensing in the amount of: |
|
|
(1) $50,000 for a license holder operating a video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment at a class 1 racetrack or a |
|
|
greyhound racetrack; or |
|
|
(2) $25,000 for a license holder operating a video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment at a class 2 or class 3 racetrack. |
|
|
(c) An application may not be processed until the applicant |
|
|
pays the application fee. If the application fee is not received by |
|
|
the 30th day after the date the commission notifies the applicant of |
|
|
the amount of the fee, the application is considered withdrawn and |
|
|
may not be considered by the commission. |
|
|
(d) The commission shall set any additional application fee |
|
|
necessary to pay the costs of determining the applicant's |
|
|
eligibility, including costs to conduct all investigations |
|
|
necessary for processing the application. An investigation may not |
|
|
begin until the applicant has submitted all required fees to the |
|
|
commission. If additional fees are required by the commission |
|
|
during the course of the investigation or processing of the |
|
|
application and are not received by the commission by the 15th day |
|
|
after the date the commission notifies the applicant of the amount |
|
|
of the fees, the investigation and evaluation processes shall be |
|
|
suspended. |
|
|
(e) The commission shall retain an application fee paid |
|
|
under this section to defray costs incurred in the administration |
|
|
and enforcement of this chapter relating to the operation of video |
|
|
lottery terminals. |
|
|
Sec. 466.513. VIDEO LOTTERY RETAILER OR VIDEO LOTTERY |
|
|
MANAGER: EMPLOYEE INFORMATION. (a) A video lottery retailer or |
|
|
video lottery manager shall provide to the commission the name and |
|
|
address of each employee involved in the operation of video lottery |
|
|
games and the name and address of the providers of surety and |
|
|
insurance required by Section 466.559. |
|
|
(b) Not later than the 10th day following the date of the |
|
|
change, a license holder must report to the commission any change in |
|
|
an officer, partner, director, key employee, substantial |
|
|
interest-holder, video lottery game operation employee, or owner |
|
|
and any change in a surety or insurance provider. |
|
|
Sec. 466.514. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL ESTABLISHMENT: |
|
|
REQUIREMENTS; LOCATION. (a) A video lottery retailer or video |
|
|
lottery manager may not operate video lottery terminals at any |
|
|
place that is not licensed as a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment. |
|
|
(b) The commission by rule shall establish standards for |
|
|
video lottery terminal establishments to ensure that |
|
|
establishments are accessible, safe, comfortable, durable, and of |
|
|
sufficiently high-quality construction to promote investments in |
|
|
establishments and related facilities that foster lasting economic |
|
|
development and continuity in producing state revenue, and that |
|
|
protect the health and welfare of employees, patrons, and all state |
|
|
residents. The standards must include or incorporate high-quality |
|
|
commercial building standards, including safety, air-conditioning, |
|
|
heating, and electrical standards. |
|
|
(c) An applicant for a video lottery terminal establishment |
|
|
license must: |
|
|
(1) consent to the application of state laws with |
|
|
exclusive venue in Travis County, Texas, related to any action |
|
|
arising out of the operation of video lottery terminals; |
|
|
(2) provide office space for at least one commission |
|
|
employee as required by commission rule; and |
|
|
(3) provide free and unrestricted access to the |
|
|
establishment by the commission. |
|
|
(d) An applicant for a video lottery terminal establishment |
|
|
license must provide the maps, surveys, site plans, architectural |
|
|
plans, and financial statements required by the commission and |
|
|
update the information at least annually if required by the |
|
|
commission. |
|
|
(e) Notwithstanding Sections 466.155 and 466.511(i), the |
|
|
commission may not deny, suspend, or revoke a license under this |
|
|
subchapter based on the fact that a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment or a proposed video lottery terminal establishment is |
|
|
a location for which a person holds a wine and beer retailer's |
|
|
permit, mixed beverage permit, mixed beverage late hours permit, |
|
|
private club registration permit, or private club late hours |
|
|
permit, issued under Chapter 25, 28, 29, 32, or 33, Alcoholic |
|
|
Beverage Code. |
|
|
(f) The commission may not issue a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment license to a racetrack if as of January 1, 2007, any |
|
|
part of the real property on which the licensed premises of the |
|
|
racetrack is located is less than one-half mile from any part of the |
|
|
real property on which a public school is located. |
|
|
Sec. 466.515. LICENSE HOLDER AS SALES AGENT. The holder of |
|
|
a video lottery retailer or video lottery manager license may |
|
|
operate as a sales agent for lottery tickets in accordance with this |
|
|
chapter. |
|
|
Sec. 466.516. TERM OF LICENSE, REGISTRATION, OR APPROVAL; |
|
|
RENEWAL ELIGIBILITY. (a) Unless suspended or revoked, a license, |
|
|
certificate of registration, or approval issued under this |
|
|
subchapter expires: |
|
|
(1) except as provided by Subdivision (2), on the date |
|
|
specified in the license, which may not be later than the fifth |
|
|
anniversary of the date of issuance; or |
|
|
(2) for a video lottery retailer license held by a |
|
|
pari-mutuel license holder, on the date the person's pari-mutuel |
|
|
license expires. |
|
|
(b) To be eligible for renewal of a license or certificate, |
|
|
an applicant must satisfy all applicable licensing, registration, |
|
|
or approval requirements under this subchapter, including payment |
|
|
of any renewal fee charged by the commission to cover costs of |
|
|
administering a renewal application. |
|
|
Sec. 466.517. RULES FOR ADDITIONAL LICENSE QUALIFICATIONS. |
|
|
The commission by rule may establish other license qualifications |
|
|
the commission determines are in the public interest and consistent |
|
|
with the declared policy of this state. |
|
|
Sec. 466.518. APPLICATION AS REQUEST FOR CHARACTER |
|
|
DETERMINATION. An application under this subchapter to receive or |
|
|
renew a license, certificate of registration, or approval or to be |
|
|
found suitable constitutes a request for a determination of the |
|
|
applicant's general character, integrity, and ability to |
|
|
participate or engage in or be associated with the operation of |
|
|
video lottery terminals. |
|
|
Sec. 466.519. IMMUNITY FOR STATEMENT MADE IN PROCEEDING OR |
|
|
INVESTIGATION. Any written or oral statement made in the course of |
|
|
an official commission proceeding or investigative activities |
|
|
related to an application for commission licensing, registration, |
|
|
or other approval under this subchapter, by any member or agent or |
|
|
any witness testifying under oath that is relevant to the purpose of |
|
|
the proceeding is absolutely privileged and does not impose |
|
|
liability for defamation or constitute a ground for recovery in any |
|
|
civil action. |
|
|
Sec. 466.520. SUITABILITY FINDING. To promote the |
|
|
integrity and security of the lottery, the commission in its |
|
|
discretion may require a suitability finding for any person doing |
|
|
business with or in relation to the operation of video lottery |
|
|
terminals who is not otherwise required to obtain a license, |
|
|
registration, or approval from the commission for the person's |
|
|
video lottery-related operations. |
|
|
Sec. 466.521. SUMMARY SUSPENSION OF VIDEO LOTTERY RETAILER |
|
|
OR VIDEO LOTTERY MANAGER LICENSE; TERMINAL DISABLED. (a) The |
|
|
commission may summarily suspend the license of a video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager without notice or hearing if the |
|
|
commission finds the action is necessary to maintain the integrity, |
|
|
security, honesty, or fairness of the operation or administration |
|
|
of the lottery or to prevent financial loss to this state and: |
|
|
(1) the license holder fails to deposit money received |
|
|
from video lottery terminal operations as required by this chapter |
|
|
or commission rule; |
|
|
(2) an event occurs that would render the license |
|
|
holder ineligible for a license under this subchapter; |
|
|
(3) the license holder refuses to allow the |
|
|
commission, the commission's agents, or the state auditor, or their |
|
|
designees, to examine the license holder's books, records, papers, |
|
|
or other objects under Section 466.017; or |
|
|
(4) the executive director learns the license holder |
|
|
failed to disclose information that would, if disclosed, render the |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager ineligible for a |
|
|
license under this subchapter. |
|
|
(b) A summary suspension under this section must comply with |
|
|
the notice and procedure requirements provided by Section 466.160. |
|
|
(c) The commission may disable a video lottery terminal |
|
|
operated by a license holder under this subchapter at the time: |
|
|
(1) a proceeding to summarily suspend the license is |
|
|
initiated; |
|
|
(2) the commission discovers the license holder failed |
|
|
to deposit money received from video lottery terminal operation as |
|
|
required if the license is being summarily suspended under this |
|
|
section; or |
|
|
(3) an act or omission occurs that, under commission |
|
|
rules, justifies the termination of video lottery terminal |
|
|
operations to: |
|
|
(A) protect the integrity of the lottery or the |
|
|
public health, welfare, or safety; or |
|
|
(B) prevent financial loss to this state. |
|
|
(d) The commission shall immediately disable a video |
|
|
lottery terminal if necessary to protect the public health, |
|
|
welfare, or safety. |
|
|
Sec. 466.522. LICENSING, REGISTRATION, SUITABILITY, AND |
|
|
REGULATORY APPROVAL AS REVOCABLE PERSONAL PRIVILEGES. (a) An |
|
|
applicant for a license, certificate of registration, suitability, |
|
|
or other affirmative regulatory approval under this subchapter does |
|
|
not have any right to the license, certificate of registration, |
|
|
suitability, or approval sought. |
|
|
(b) Any license, certificate of registration, or |
|
|
suitability or other regulatory approval granted under this |
|
|
subchapter is a revocable privilege, and a holder of the privilege |
|
|
does not acquire any vested right in or under the privilege. |
|
|
(c) The courts of this state do not have jurisdiction to |
|
|
review a decision to deny, limit, or condition the license, |
|
|
registration, suitability, or approval unless the judicial review |
|
|
is sought on the ground that the denial, limitation, or condition is |
|
|
based on a suspect classification, such as race, color, religion, |
|
|
sex, or national origin, in violation of the Equal Protection |
|
|
Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States |
|
|
Constitution. The state court must affirm the commission's action |
|
|
unless the violation is proven by clear and convincing evidence. If |
|
|
a state court has jurisdiction over a claim under this section, then |
|
|
this state's sovereign immunity is waived only to the extent |
|
|
expressly provided by Section 466.572. |
|
|
(d) A license, certificate of registration, suitability, or |
|
|
regulatory approval granted or renewed under this subchapter may |
|
|
not be transferred or assigned to another person, and a license, |
|
|
registration, suitability, or approval may not be pledged as |
|
|
collateral. The purchaser or successor of a person who has been |
|
|
granted a license, certificate of registration, suitability, or |
|
|
regulatory approval must independently qualify for a license, |
|
|
certificate, suitability, or approval required by this subchapter. |
|
|
(e) The following acts void the license, certificate, |
|
|
suitability, or other regulatory approval of the holder unless |
|
|
approved in advance by the commission: |
|
|
(1) the transfer, sale, or other disposition of an |
|
|
interest in the holder that results in a change in the identity of a |
|
|
substantial interest holder; or |
|
|
(2) the sale of the assets of the holder, other than |
|
|
assets bought and sold in the ordinary course of business, or any |
|
|
interest in the assets, to any person not already determined to have |
|
|
met the applicable qualifications of this subchapter. |
|
|
Sec. 466.523. CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND IMPROVEMENT |
|
|
REQUIREMENTS FOR VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL ESTABLISHMENT. (a) A |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager shall provide all |
|
|
necessary capital investments and required improvements at a video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment operated by the retailer or manager. |
|
|
(b) The commission may not issue a license for the operation |
|
|
of a video lottery terminal establishment at a class 2 racetrack |
|
|
that has not made at least $40 million in capital investments or |
|
|
improvements to new or existing facilities at the racetrack. |
|
|
Sec. 466.524. LIST OF AUTHORIZED VIDEO LOTTERY PROVIDERS, |
|
|
GAMES, AND TERMINALS. The commission shall provide all video |
|
|
lottery retailers or video lottery managers with a list of |
|
|
registered video lottery terminal providers, video lottery games, |
|
|
and video lottery terminals authorized for operation under this |
|
|
subchapter. |
|
|
Sec. 466.525. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL: DISTRIBUTION AND |
|
|
COMMISSION APPROVAL. (a) A video lottery terminal provider may not |
|
|
distribute a video lottery terminal or other video lottery |
|
|
equipment for placement at a video lottery terminal establishment |
|
|
in this state unless the video lottery terminal has been approved by |
|
|
the commission. |
|
|
(b) Only a video lottery terminal provider registered with |
|
|
or approved by the commission may apply for approval of a video |
|
|
lottery terminal or other video lottery equipment. |
|
|
(c) Not later than the 10th day before the date of shipment |
|
|
to a location in this state, a video lottery terminal provider shall |
|
|
file a report with the commission itemizing all video lottery |
|
|
terminals and other video lottery equipment to be provided to a |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager in the shipment. |
|
|
Sec. 466.526. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL: TESTING; REPORT. (a) |
|
|
A video lottery terminal provider shall submit two copies of |
|
|
terminal illustrations, schematics, block diagrams, circuit |
|
|
analysis, technical and operation manuals, and any other |
|
|
information requested by the commission for the purpose of |
|
|
analyzing and testing the video lottery terminal or other video |
|
|
lottery equipment. |
|
|
(b) The commission may require up to four working models of |
|
|
a video lottery terminal to be transported to a location designated |
|
|
by the commission for testing, examination, and analysis. The |
|
|
video lottery terminal provider shall pay all the costs of testing, |
|
|
examination, analysis, and transportation of the models. The |
|
|
testing, examination, and analysis of video lottery terminals may |
|
|
require dismantling of the terminal, and some tests may result in |
|
|
damage or destruction to one or more electronic components of the |
|
|
model. The commission may require a video lottery terminal |
|
|
provider to provide specialized equipment or pay for an independent |
|
|
technical expert or laboratory to test the terminal. |
|
|
(c) The video lottery terminal provider shall pay the cost |
|
|
of transporting up to four video lottery terminals to the |
|
|
headquarters of the commission or a location designated by the |
|
|
commission. The commission shall conduct an acceptance test to |
|
|
determine terminal functions and compatibility with the video |
|
|
lottery central system. At the expense of the video lottery |
|
|
terminal provider, the commission may contract with an independent |
|
|
technical expert or laboratory to determine compatibility and |
|
|
terminal functions. If the video lottery terminal fails the |
|
|
acceptance test conducted by the commission, the video lottery |
|
|
terminal provider shall make all modifications required by the |
|
|
commission before distribution in this state. |
|
|
(d) After each test under this section has been completed, |
|
|
the commission shall provide the video lottery terminal provider |
|
|
with a report containing findings, conclusions, and pass or fail |
|
|
results. The report may contain recommendations for modifications |
|
|
to bring a video lottery terminal into compliance with this chapter |
|
|
and commission standards. |
|
|
(e) Before approving a particular video lottery terminal |
|
|
model, the commission may require a field trial period not to exceed |
|
|
60 days for a licensed video lottery terminal establishment to test |
|
|
the terminal. During the trial period, modifications may not be |
|
|
made to the video lottery terminal model unless approved by the |
|
|
commission. |
|
|
Sec. 466.527. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL: INSTALLATION; |
|
|
MODIFICATION REQUEST. (a) A video lottery terminal provider is |
|
|
responsible for the assembly and installation of all video lottery |
|
|
terminals and other video lottery equipment. |
|
|
(b) A video lottery terminal provider or a video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager may not change the assembly or |
|
|
operational functions of a video lottery terminal authorized by the |
|
|
commission for placement in this state unless a request for |
|
|
modification of an existing video lottery terminal prototype is |
|
|
approved by the commission. The request must contain: |
|
|
(1) a detailed description of the type of change; |
|
|
(2) a detailed description of the reasons for the |
|
|
change; and |
|
|
(3) technical documentation of the change. |
|
|
(c) A video lottery terminal approved by the commission for |
|
|
placement at a video lottery terminal establishment must conform to |
|
|
the exact specifications of the video lottery terminal prototype |
|
|
tested and approved by the commission. |
|
|
Sec. 466.528. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL REMOVAL. (a) If any |
|
|
video lottery terminal that has not been approved by the commission |
|
|
is distributed by a video lottery terminal provider or operated by a |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager or if an approved |
|
|
video lottery terminal malfunctions, the commission shall require |
|
|
the terminal to be removed from use and play. |
|
|
(b) The commission may order that an unapproved terminal be |
|
|
seized and destroyed and that a malfunctioning terminal not |
|
|
repaired and returned to play within 30 days or as otherwise |
|
|
prescribed by the commission be disposed of in compliance with |
|
|
Section 466.531(b). |
|
|
(c) The commission may suspend or revoke the license of a |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager or the registration |
|
|
of a video lottery terminal provider for the distribution, |
|
|
possession, or operation of an unauthorized video lottery terminal. |
|
|
Sec. 466.529. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL SPECIFICATIONS. (a) |
|
|
The commission shall adopt rules for approval of video lottery |
|
|
terminals, including requirements for video lottery game tickets, |
|
|
maximum and minimum payout, and maximum wagers. |
|
|
(b) A commission-approved video lottery terminal must meet |
|
|
the following minimum specifications: |
|
|
(1) the terminal must: |
|
|
(A) operate through a player's insertion of a |
|
|
coin, currency, voucher, or token into the terminal that causes the |
|
|
video lottery terminal to display credits that entitle the player |
|
|
to select one or more symbols or numbers or cause the terminal to |
|
|
randomly select symbols or numbers; |
|
|
(B) allow the player to win additional game play |
|
|
credits, coins, or tokens based on game rules that establish the |
|
|
random selection of winning combinations of symbols or numbers and |
|
|
the number of free play credits, coins, or tokens to be awarded for |
|
|
each winning combination; and |
|
|
(C) allow the player at any time to clear all game |
|
|
play credits and receive a video lottery ticket or other |
|
|
representation of credit entitling the player to receive the cash |
|
|
value of those credits; |
|
|
(2) a surge protector must be installed on the |
|
|
electrical power supply line to each video lottery terminal, a |
|
|
battery or equivalent power backup for the electronic meters must |
|
|
be capable of maintaining the accuracy of all accounting records |
|
|
and video lottery terminal status reports for a period of 180 days |
|
|
after power is disconnected from the video lottery terminal, and |
|
|
the power backup device must be in the compartment specified in |
|
|
Subdivision (4); |
|
|
(3) the operation of each video lottery terminal may |
|
|
not be adversely affected by any static discharge or other |
|
|
electromagnetic interference; |
|
|
(4) the main logic boards of all electronic storage |
|
|
mediums must be located in a separate compartment in the video |
|
|
lottery terminal that is locked and sealed by the commission; |
|
|
(5) the instructions for play of each game must be |
|
|
displayed on the video lottery terminal face or screen, including a |
|
|
display detailing the credits awarded for the occurrence of each |
|
|
possible winning combination of numbers or symbols; |
|
|
(6) communication equipment and devices must be |
|
|
installed to enable each video lottery terminal to communicate with |
|
|
the video lottery central system through the use of a |
|
|
communications protocol provided by the commission to each |
|
|
registered video lottery terminal provider, which must include |
|
|
information retrieval and programs to activate and disable the |
|
|
terminal; and |
|
|
(7) a video lottery terminal may be operated only if |
|
|
connected to the video lottery central system, and play on the |
|
|
terminal may not be conducted unless the terminal is connected to |
|
|
the video lottery central system. |
|
|
(c) The commission may reject any instructions for play |
|
|
required under Subsection (b)(5) that the commission determines to |
|
|
be incomplete, confusing, or misleading. |
|
|
Sec. 466.530. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS: HOURS OF OPERATION; |
|
|
COMMUNICATION; LOCATION. (a) The hours of operation for video |
|
|
lottery terminals are subject to restrictions or other conditions |
|
|
provided by commission rules. |
|
|
(b) The commission by rule may prescribe restrictions or |
|
|
conditions on the hours of video lottery terminal operations for |
|
|
purposes determined by the commission, including accounting for and |
|
|
collecting revenue generated by video lottery terminal operations |
|
|
and performing other operational services on the video lottery |
|
|
system. |
|
|
(c) Communication between the video lottery central system |
|
|
and each video lottery terminal must be continuous and on a |
|
|
real-time basis as prescribed by the commission. |
|
|
(d) Except as provided by a gaming agreement, placement or |
|
|
movement of video lottery terminals in a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment must be consistent with a commission-approved video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment floor plan. |
|
|
Sec. 466.531. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL: TRANSPORT; |
|
|
DISPOSITION OF OBSOLETE TERMINAL. (a) The transportation and |
|
|
movement of video lottery terminals into or within this state is |
|
|
prohibited, except as permitted by this subchapter and approved by |
|
|
the commission. |
|
|
(b) An obsolete video lottery terminal or a video lottery |
|
|
terminal that is no longer in operation must be promptly reported to |
|
|
the commission and, if taken out of use and play, must immediately |
|
|
be sold or otherwise transferred to a registered video lottery |
|
|
terminal provider or another person in a jurisdiction outside this |
|
|
state for use in that jurisdiction. |
|
|
Sec. 466.532. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS: MAXIMUM NUMBER. |
|
|
(a) The commission by rule shall establish the maximum number of |
|
|
video lottery terminals that may be operated at each video lottery |
|
|
terminal establishment operated by a video lottery retailer or |
|
|
video lottery manager based on factors prescribed by commission |
|
|
rule, including demographics, to ensure that the number of permits |
|
|
to operate video lottery terminals requested by the retailer or |
|
|
manager is not detrimental to the public health, safety, welfare, |
|
|
and economic development of this state and will result in the |
|
|
optimization of revenue to fund state governmental programs. |
|
|
(b) The commission shall determine the number of video |
|
|
lottery terminals that may be operated by an Indian tribe in |
|
|
connection with the tribe's video lottery system in accordance with |
|
|
the applicable gaming agreement entered into pursuant to this |
|
|
chapter and the criteria prescribed by Subsection (a). |
|
|
Sec. 466.533. REGISTRATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS. (a) |
|
|
A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager may not operate or |
|
|
display a video lottery terminal for play in this state unless the |
|
|
terminal is annually registered with the commission in accordance |
|
|
with this section and the certificate of registration is affixed to |
|
|
the terminal. |
|
|
(b) To obtain a certificate of registration under this |
|
|
section, a person must: |
|
|
(1) file with the commission a registration |
|
|
application on a form prescribed by the commission; and |
|
|
(2) pay a $1,000 registration fee to the commission |
|
|
for each video lottery terminal that is the subject of the |
|
|
application. |
|
|
(c) Chapter 2153, Occupations Code, does not apply to a |
|
|
video lottery terminal. |
|
|
Sec. 466.534. LICENSE AND REGISTRATION INVESTIGATIVE TRUST |
|
|
FUND. (a) The investigative trust fund is created as a trust fund |
|
|
to pay all expenses incurred by the commission related to oversight |
|
|
investigations of applicants for a license, certificate of |
|
|
registration, or approval and of license, certificate, or approval |
|
|
holders. |
|
|
(b) The commission shall determine the amount initially |
|
|
deposited and the amount maintained in the fund by each applicant or |
|
|
license, certificate, or approval holder and shall administer the |
|
|
money in the fund as a revolving fund available to the commission. |
|
|
(c) If the commission does not receive the initial deposit |
|
|
required by Subsection (b) before the 30th day following the date |
|
|
the commission notifies the applicant or license, registration, or |
|
|
approval holder of the initial deposit amount, the commission may |
|
|
not issue or renew the license, certificate, or approval. The |
|
|
investigative trust fund is in the state treasury and is held in |
|
|
trust with the comptroller's treasury operations division. |
|
|
(d) Expenses may be advanced from the investigative fund, |
|
|
and expenditures may be made from the fund without regard to any |
|
|
other state law regarding travel expenses of state employees. |
|
|
(e) The commission at least quarterly shall provide each |
|
|
applicant or license, certificate, or approval holder a written |
|
|
accounting of the costs and charges incurred in oversight |
|
|
investigations for that applicant or holder. An applicant or a |
|
|
license, certificate, or approval holder shall deposit money not |
|
|
later than the 10th day after receipt of the accounting to maintain |
|
|
the fund balance required by the commission. |
|
|
(f) If an applicant for a license, certificate of |
|
|
registration, or approval is not licensed, registered, or approved, |
|
|
or if a license, registration, or approval is not renewed, the |
|
|
commission shall refund to the applicant or holder any balance in |
|
|
the fund paid by the applicant or holder not offset by costs |
|
|
incurred in an investigation for that applicant or holder. |
|
|
Sec. 466.535. CONSENT TO COMMISSION DETERMINATION. (a) An |
|
|
application for a license, certificate of registration, finding of |
|
|
suitability, or other approval under this chapter constitutes a |
|
|
request to the commission for a decision on the applicant's general |
|
|
suitability, character, integrity, and ability to participate or |
|
|
engage in or be associated with the lottery in the manner or |
|
|
position sought. |
|
|
(b) By filing an application with the commission, the |
|
|
applicant specifically consents to the commission's decision at the |
|
|
commission's election when the application, after filing, becomes |
|
|
moot for any reason other than death. |
|
|
Sec. 466.536. ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY OF COMMISSION. To protect |
|
|
the integrity of the lottery or the public health, welfare, or |
|
|
safety, or to prevent financial loss to this state, the commission |
|
|
has full and absolute power and authority to: |
|
|
(1) deny any application or limit, condition, |
|
|
restrict, revoke, or suspend any license, certificate of |
|
|
registration, or finding of suitability or approval; and |
|
|
(2) fine any person licensed, registered, found |
|
|
suitable, or approved for any cause deemed reasonable by the |
|
|
commission. |
|
|
Sec. 466.537. WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS. (a) The commission |
|
|
may waive, either selectively or by general rule, one or more of the |
|
|
requirements of Sections 466.508 and 466.511 if the commission |
|
|
makes a written finding that the waiver is consistent with the |
|
|
policy of this state, the public health, safety, and welfare, and |
|
|
the integrity of the lottery. |
|
|
(b) The commission may waive any requirement under this |
|
|
chapter for a finding of suitability of an institutional investor |
|
|
that is a substantial interest holder with respect to the |
|
|
beneficial ownership of the voting securities of a publicly traded |
|
|
corporation if the institutional investor holds the securities for |
|
|
investment purposes only and applies for a waiver in compliance |
|
|
with Section 466.538 and commission rules. |
|
|
(c) An institutional investor is not eligible for the |
|
|
waiver, except as otherwise provided by Subsection (f), if the |
|
|
institutional investor beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, |
|
|
more than 15 percent of the voting securities and if any of the |
|
|
voting securities were acquired other than through a debt |
|
|
restructuring. |
|
|
(d) Voting securities acquired before a debt restructuring |
|
|
and retained after a debt restructuring or as a result of an |
|
|
exchange, exercise, or conversion after a debt restructuring, or |
|
|
any securities issued to the institutional investor through a debt |
|
|
restructuring, are considered to have been acquired through a debt |
|
|
restructuring. |
|
|
(e) A waiver granted under Subsection (b) is effective only |
|
|
as long as the institutional investor's direct or indirect |
|
|
beneficial ownership interest in the voting securities meets the |
|
|
limitations set forth in this section, and if the institutional |
|
|
investor's interest exceeds the limitation at any time, the |
|
|
investor is subject to the suitability findings required under this |
|
|
subchapter. |
|
|
(f) An institutional investor that has been granted a waiver |
|
|
under Subsection (b) may beneficially own more than 15 percent, but |
|
|
not more than 19 percent, of the voting securities of a publicly |
|
|
traded corporation registered with or licensed by the commission |
|
|
only: |
|
|
(1) if the additional ownership results from a stock |
|
|
repurchase program conducted by the publicly traded corporation; |
|
|
and |
|
|
(2) on the conditions that: |
|
|
(A) the institutional investor does not purchase |
|
|
or otherwise acquire any additional voting securities of the |
|
|
publicly traded corporation that would result in an increase in the |
|
|
institutional investor's ownership percentage; and |
|
|
(B) the institutional investor reduces its |
|
|
ownership percentage of the publicly traded corporation to 15 |
|
|
percent or less before the first anniversary of the date the |
|
|
institutional investor receives constructive notice that it |
|
|
exceeded the 15 percent threshold, based on any public filing by the |
|
|
corporation with the United States Securities and Exchange |
|
|
Commission. |
|
|
(g) The one-year period under Subsection (f)(2)(B) may be |
|
|
extended for a reasonable time on commission approval. |
|
|
(h) An institutional investor may not be considered to hold |
|
|
voting securities of a publicly traded corporation for investment |
|
|
purposes only unless the voting securities were acquired and are |
|
|
held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional |
|
|
investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or |
|
|
indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of the board |
|
|
of directors, any change in the corporate charter, bylaws, |
|
|
management, policies, or operations of the corporation registered |
|
|
with or licensed by the commission or any of its gaming affiliates, |
|
|
or any other action which the commission finds to be inconsistent |
|
|
with investment purposes only. The following activities may not be |
|
|
considered to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for |
|
|
investment purposes only: |
|
|
(1) voting, directly or indirectly through the |
|
|
delivery of a proxy furnished by the board of directors, on all |
|
|
matters voted on by the holders of the voting securities; |
|
|
(2) serving as a member of any committee of creditors |
|
|
or security holders formed in connection with a debt restructuring; |
|
|
(3) nominating any candidate for election or |
|
|
appointment to the board of directors in connection with a debt |
|
|
restructuring; |
|
|
(4) accepting appointment or election as a member of |
|
|
the board of directors in connection with a debt restructuring and |
|
|
serving in that capacity until the conclusion of the member's term; |
|
|
(5) making financial and other inquiries of management |
|
|
of the type normally made by securities analysts for information |
|
|
purposes and not to cause a change in management, policies, or |
|
|
operations; or |
|
|
(6) any other activity the commission determines to be |
|
|
consistent with the investment intent. |
|
|
(i) For purposes of this section, "debt restructuring" |
|
|
means: |
|
|
(1) a proceeding under the United States Bankruptcy |
|
|
Code; or |
|
|
(2) any out-of-court reorganization of a person that |
|
|
is insolvent or generally unable to pay the person's debts as they |
|
|
become due. |
|
|
Sec. 466.538. WAIVER APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS. An |
|
|
application for a waiver under Section 466.537(b) must include: |
|
|
(1) a description of the institutional investor's |
|
|
business and a statement as to why the institutional investor meets |
|
|
the definition of an institutional investor set forth in this |
|
|
chapter; |
|
|
(2) a certification, made under oath and penalty of |
|
|
perjury, that: |
|
|
(A) states that the voting securities were |
|
|
acquired and are held for investment purposes only in accordance |
|
|
with Section 466.537; |
|
|
(B) provides that the applicant agrees to be |
|
|
bound by and comply with this chapter and the rules adopted under |
|
|
this chapter, to be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of |
|
|
this state, and to consent to this state as the choice of forum in |
|
|
the event any dispute, question, or controversy arises regarding |
|
|
the application or any waiver granted under Section 466.537(b); and |
|
|
(C) includes a statement by the signatory |
|
|
explaining the basis of the signatory's authority to sign the |
|
|
certification and bind the institutional investor to its terms; |
|
|
(3) a description of all actions, if any, taken or |
|
|
expected to be taken by the institutional investor related to the |
|
|
activities described in Section 466.537(f); |
|
|
(4) the names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of |
|
|
birth, and social security numbers of: |
|
|
(A) the officers and directors of the |
|
|
institutional investor or the officers' and directors' equivalents; |
|
|
and |
|
|
(B) the persons that have direct control over the |
|
|
institutional investor's holdings of voting securities of the |
|
|
publicly traded corporation registered with or licensed by the |
|
|
commission; |
|
|
(5) the name, address, telephone number, date of |
|
|
birth, and social security number or federal tax identification |
|
|
number of each person who has the power to direct or control the |
|
|
institutional investor's exercise of its voting rights as a holder |
|
|
of voting securities of the publicly traded corporation registered |
|
|
with or licensed by the commission; |
|
|
(6) the name of each person that beneficially owns |
|
|
more than five percent of the institutional investor's voting |
|
|
securities or other equivalent; |
|
|
(7) a list of the institutional investor's affiliates; |
|
|
(8) a list of all securities of the publicly traded |
|
|
corporation registered with or licensed by the commission that are |
|
|
or were beneficially owned by the institutional investor or its |
|
|
affiliates in the preceding year, including a description of the |
|
|
securities, the amount of the securities, and the date of |
|
|
acquisition or sale of the securities; |
|
|
(9) a list of all regulatory agencies with which the |
|
|
institutional investor or any affiliate that beneficially owns |
|
|
voting securities of the publicly traded corporation registered |
|
|
with or licensed by the commission files periodic reports, and the |
|
|
name, address, and telephone number of the person, if known, to |
|
|
contact at each agency regarding the institutional investor; |
|
|
(10) a disclosure of all criminal or regulatory |
|
|
sanctions imposed during the preceding 10 years and of any |
|
|
administrative or court proceedings filed by any regulatory agency |
|
|
during the preceding five years against the institutional investor, |
|
|
its affiliates, any current officer or director, or any former |
|
|
officer or director whose tenure ended within the preceding 12 |
|
|
months, except that for a former officer or director, the |
|
|
information need be provided only to the extent that it relates to |
|
|
actions arising out of or during the person's tenure with the |
|
|
institutional investor or its affiliates; |
|
|
(11) a copy of the institutional investor's most |
|
|
recent Schedule 13D or 13G and any amendments to that schedule filed |
|
|
with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission |
|
|
concerning any voting securities of the publicly traded corporation |
|
|
registered with or licensed by the commission; |
|
|
(12) a copy of any filing made under the Securities |
|
|
Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78a et seq.) with respect to |
|
|
the acquisition or proposed acquisition of voting securities of the |
|
|
publicly traded corporation registered with or licensed by the |
|
|
commission; and |
|
|
(13) any additional information the commission may |
|
|
request. |
|
|
Sec. 466.539. CHANGE IN INVESTMENT FOLLOWING WAIVER; |
|
|
NOTICE. (a) An institutional investor that has been granted a |
|
|
waiver of a finding of suitability under Section 466.537 and that |
|
|
subsequently intends not to hold the investor's voting securities |
|
|
of the publicly traded corporation for investment purposes only or |
|
|
that intends to take any action inconsistent with the investor's |
|
|
prior intent shall, not later than the second business day after the |
|
|
date of the decision, deliver notice to the commission in writing of |
|
|
the change in the investor's investment intent. The commission may |
|
|
then take any action the commission considers appropriate. |
|
|
(b) If the commission finds that an institutional investor |
|
|
has failed to comply with this chapter or should be subject to a |
|
|
finding of suitability to protect the public interest, the |
|
|
commission may require the institutional investor to apply for a |
|
|
finding of suitability. |
|
|
(c) Any publicly traded corporation registered with or |
|
|
licensed by the commission shall immediately notify the commission |
|
|
of any information about, fact concerning, or actions of an |
|
|
institutional investor holding any of its voting securities that |
|
|
may materially affect the institutional investor's eligibility to |
|
|
hold a waiver under Section 466.537. |
|
|
Sec. 466.540. EFFECT OF DENIAL OF LICENSE OR REGISTRATION. |
|
|
(a) A person whose application for a license or certificate of |
|
|
registration has been denied may not have any interest in or |
|
|
association with a video lottery retailer or video lottery manager |
|
|
or any other business conducted in connection with video lottery |
|
|
without prior approval of the commission. |
|
|
(b) Any contract related to the operation of video lottery |
|
|
terminals in this state between a person holding a license or |
|
|
certificate of registration and a person denied a license or |
|
|
registration must be terminated immediately. If the person denied |
|
|
a license or certificate has previously been granted a temporary |
|
|
license or certificate, the temporary license or certificate |
|
|
expires immediately on denial of the permanent license or |
|
|
certificate. |
|
|
(c) Except as otherwise authorized by the commission, a |
|
|
person denied a license or certificate of registration may not |
|
|
reapply for any license or certificate before the second |
|
|
anniversary of the date of the denial. |
|
|
Sec. 466.541. PRACTICE BY VIDEO LOTTERY RETAILER OR VIDEO |
|
|
LOTTERY MANAGER. A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager |
|
|
must: |
|
|
(1) be aware of patron conditions and prohibit play by |
|
|
visibly intoxicated patrons; |
|
|
(2) comply with state alcoholic beverage control laws; |
|
|
(3) at all times maintain sufficient change and cash |
|
|
in denominations accepted by video lottery terminals; |
|
|
(4) promptly report all video lottery terminal |
|
|
malfunctions and down-time; |
|
|
(5) install, post, and display prominently any |
|
|
material required by the commission; |
|
|
(6) prohibit illegal gambling and any related |
|
|
paraphernalia; |
|
|
(7) except as otherwise provided by this chapter, at |
|
|
all times prohibit money lending or other extensions of credit at |
|
|
the video lottery terminal establishment; |
|
|
(8) supervise employees and activities to ensure |
|
|
compliance with all commission rules and this chapter; |
|
|
(9) maintain continuous camera coverage of all aspects |
|
|
of video lottery game operations, including video lottery |
|
|
terminals; and |
|
|
(10) maintain an entry log for each video lottery |
|
|
terminal on the premises of the video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment and maintain and submit complete records on receipt |
|
|
of each video lottery terminal on the premises as determined by the |
|
|
commission. |
|
|
Sec. 466.542. RACETRACK REQUIREMENTS. (a) Except as |
|
|
provided by other law or this section, a video lottery retailer at |
|
|
all times must hold a valid pari-mutuel wagering license. The |
|
|
commission may allow a video lottery retailer whose pari-mutuel |
|
|
wagering license has lapsed or been revoked, suspended, or |
|
|
surrendered to reapply for a license in order to operate the video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment or by rule may establish a period |
|
|
not to exceed two years during which time the video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment may be operated pending acquisition by a person |
|
|
qualified and licensed under this chapter to operate video lottery |
|
|
terminals. |
|
|
(b) If a video lottery retailer is not licensed as required |
|
|
by Subsection (a) before the second anniversary of the date a |
|
|
license lapses or is revoked, suspended, or surrendered or a new |
|
|
video lottery manager or video lottery retailer is not licensed and |
|
|
authorized to operate the facility before the second anniversary, |
|
|
the racetrack shall permanently lose eligibility under this chapter |
|
|
to operate video lottery terminals. |
|
|
(c) Subject to the commission's discretion, a video lottery |
|
|
retailer may continue to operate the video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment after the second anniversary of the date a license |
|
|
lapses or is revoked, suspended, or surrendered only to satisfy the |
|
|
establishment's existing outstanding debt attributable to video |
|
|
lottery operation. |
|
|
Sec. 466.543. PRIZE RULES. The commission shall adopt |
|
|
rules governing: |
|
|
(1) the amount a player may be charged to play each |
|
|
video lottery game; and |
|
|
(2) the prizes and credits that may be awarded to the |
|
|
player of a video lottery game. |
|
|
Sec. 466.544. VIDEO LOTTERY CENTRAL SYSTEM: COMMUNICATION |
|
|
TECHNOLOGY. The video lottery central system provider shall pay |
|
|
for the installation and operation of commission-approved |
|
|
communication technology to provide real-time communication |
|
|
between each video lottery terminal and the video lottery central |
|
|
system. |
|
|
Sec. 466.545. RESPONSIBILITY FOR VIDEO LOTTERY GAME |
|
|
OPERATIONS. (a) A video lottery retailer or a video lottery |
|
|
manager, if applicable, is responsible for the management of video |
|
|
lottery game operations, including: |
|
|
(1) the validation and payment of prizes; and |
|
|
(2) the management of cashiers, food and beverage |
|
|
workers, floor workers, security personnel, the security system, |
|
|
building completion, janitorial services, landscaping design, and |
|
|
maintenance. |
|
|
(b) Nothing in Subsection (a) limits the authority of the |
|
|
commission, the Department of Public Safety, or another law |
|
|
enforcement agency to administer and enforce this chapter as |
|
|
related to video lottery. |
|
|
(c) In addition to other requirements under this chapter |
|
|
relating to video lottery, a video lottery retailer or a video |
|
|
lottery manager at all times shall: |
|
|
(1) operate only video lottery terminals that are |
|
|
distributed by a registered video lottery terminal provider and |
|
|
provide a secure location for the placement, operation, and play of |
|
|
the video lottery terminals; |
|
|
(2) prevent any person from tampering with or |
|
|
interfering with the operation of a video lottery terminal; |
|
|
(3) ensure that communication technology from the |
|
|
video lottery central system to the video lottery terminals is |
|
|
connected at all times and prevent any person from tampering or |
|
|
interfering with the operation of the connection; |
|
|
(4) ensure that video lottery terminals are in the |
|
|
sight and control of designated employees of the video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager and in the sight of video cameras |
|
|
as required under this subchapter; |
|
|
(5) ensure that video lottery terminals are placed and |
|
|
remain placed in the specific locations in the video lottery |
|
|
terminal establishment that are consistent with the retailer's or |
|
|
manager's commission-approved floor plan; |
|
|
(6) monitor video lottery terminals to prevent a |
|
|
person who is under 21 years of age or who is visibly intoxicated |
|
|
from placing a wager; |
|
|
(7) refuse to accept a credit card payment from a |
|
|
player for the exchange or purchase of video lottery game credits or |
|
|
for an advance of coins, currency, vouchers, or tokens to be used by |
|
|
a player to play video lottery games, refuse to extend credit, in |
|
|
any manner, to a player that enables the player to play a video |
|
|
lottery game, and ensure that any person doing business at the video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment, including a person operating or |
|
|
managing an auxiliary service such as a restaurant, refuses to |
|
|
accept a credit card payment or to extend credit in a manner |
|
|
prohibited by this subdivision, except that: |
|
|
(A) a license holder may cash a check for a player |
|
|
if the license holder exercises reasonable caution cashing the |
|
|
check and does not cash checks for any player in an amount exceeding |
|
|
$1,000 in any 24-hour period; and |
|
|
(B) an automated teller machine may be located at |
|
|
a video lottery terminal establishment in compliance with the Texas |
|
|
Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) or an |
|
|
effective gaming agreement; |
|
|
(8) pay all credits won by a player on presentment of a |
|
|
valid winning video lottery game ticket; |
|
|
(9) conduct only the video lottery game advertising |
|
|
and promotional activities consistent with criteria prescribed by |
|
|
the commission, which must prohibit undue influence, offensive |
|
|
language, and anything that would affect the integrity of video |
|
|
lottery operation; |
|
|
(10) install, post, and display prominently at the |
|
|
licensed location redemption information and other informational |
|
|
or promotional materials as required by the commission; |
|
|
(11) maintain general liability insurance coverage |
|
|
for the video lottery terminal establishment and all video lottery |
|
|
terminals in the amounts required by the commission; |
|
|
(12) assume liability for money lost or stolen from |
|
|
any video lottery terminal; and |
|
|
(13) annually submit an audited financial statement to |
|
|
the commission in a format approved by the commission. |
|
|
Sec. 466.546. TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR VIDEO LOTTERY |
|
|
EQUIPMENT. The commission by rule shall establish minimum |
|
|
technical standards for video lottery equipment that may be |
|
|
operated in this state. |
|
|
Sec. 466.547. INCIDENT REPORTS. (a) A video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager shall record all unusual |
|
|
occurrences related to gaming activity in a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment operated by the retailer or manager. |
|
|
(b) A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager shall |
|
|
assign each incident, without regard to materiality, a sequential |
|
|
number and, at a minimum, provide the following information in a |
|
|
permanent record prepared in accordance with commission rules to |
|
|
ensure the integrity of the record: |
|
|
(1) the number assigned to the incident; |
|
|
(2) the date and time of the incident; |
|
|
(3) the nature of the incident; |
|
|
(4) each person involved in the incident; and |
|
|
(5) the name of the employee or other agent of the |
|
|
video lottery retailer or video lottery manager who investigated |
|
|
the incident. |
|
|
Sec. 466.548. EXCLUSION OF PERSONS. (a) The commission |
|
|
shall compile a list of persons that a video lottery retailer or |
|
|
video lottery manager must bar from a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment based on a person's criminal history or association |
|
|
with criminal offenders or because the person poses a threat to the |
|
|
integrity of the lottery. |
|
|
(b) A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager shall |
|
|
employ the retailer's or manager's best efforts to exclude such |
|
|
persons from entry into the establishment. |
|
|
(c) A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager may |
|
|
exclude a person for any reason not related to the person's race, |
|
|
sex, national origin, physical disability, or religion. |
|
|
(d) A person who believes the person may be playing video |
|
|
lottery games on a compulsive basis may request that the person's |
|
|
name be placed on the list compiled by the commission under |
|
|
Subsection (a). |
|
|
(e) All video lottery game employees shall receive training |
|
|
in identifying players with a compulsive playing problem and shall |
|
|
be instructed to ask the players to leave the establishment. Signs |
|
|
and other materials shall be readily available to direct compulsive |
|
|
players to agencies that offer appropriate counseling. |
|
|
Sec. 466.549. REPORT ON LITIGATION. (a) A video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager shall report to the commission |
|
|
any litigation relating to the retailer's or manager's video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment, including a criminal proceeding, a |
|
|
proceeding involving an issue related to racing activities that |
|
|
impact video lottery operations, or a matter related to character |
|
|
or reputation relevant to a person's suitability under this |
|
|
subchapter. |
|
|
(b) The report required under Subsection (a) must be filed |
|
|
not later than the fifth day after acquiring knowledge of the |
|
|
litigation. |
|
|
Sec. 466.550. COMMISSION APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURES |
|
|
AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING CONTROLS. (a) The commission's |
|
|
approval is required for: |
|
|
(1) all internal procedures and administrative and |
|
|
accounting controls of a video lottery retailer or video lottery |
|
|
manager; and |
|
|
(2) all internal procedures and administrative and |
|
|
accounting controls of a video lottery terminal provider that |
|
|
relate to the manufacturing and distribution of video lottery |
|
|
terminals to be used in this state. |
|
|
(b) The commission by rule shall establish general |
|
|
accounting and auditing requirements and internal control |
|
|
standards for video lottery retailers and video lottery managers. |
|
|
Sec. 466.551. FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION. A video |
|
|
lottery retailer or video lottery manager shall submit financial |
|
|
and operating information and statistical data to the commission in |
|
|
a format approved by the commission in order for the financial |
|
|
operating position of the retailer or manager and performance and |
|
|
trends of the video lottery game industry in this state to be |
|
|
evaluated. |
|
|
Sec. 466.552. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL EVENTS. A video |
|
|
lottery retailer or video lottery manager shall keep a database of |
|
|
video lottery terminal events. The commission by rule shall |
|
|
determine what constitutes a video lottery terminal event for |
|
|
purposes of this section. |
|
|
Sec. 466.553. EMPLOYEE REPORTING. (a) On or before the |
|
|
15th day of each month, a video lottery retailer or video lottery |
|
|
manager shall submit to the commission an employee report for the |
|
|
video lottery terminal establishment operated by the retailer or |
|
|
manager. For each employee of the retailer or manager, the report |
|
|
must provide the employee's name, job title, date of birth, and |
|
|
social security number. |
|
|
(b) The employee report is confidential and may not be |
|
|
disclosed except under commission order or in accordance with |
|
|
Section 466.022(c). |
|
|
(c) The commission may conduct criminal history |
|
|
investigations for employees of video lottery retailers and video |
|
|
lottery managers. |
|
|
(d) The commission may prohibit an employee from performing |
|
|
any act relating to video lottery terminals if the commission finds |
|
|
that an employee has: |
|
|
(1) committed, attempted, or conspired to commit any |
|
|
act prohibited by this chapter; |
|
|
(2) concealed or refused to disclose any material fact |
|
|
in any commission investigation; |
|
|
(3) committed, attempted, or conspired to commit |
|
|
larceny or embezzlement; |
|
|
(4) been convicted in any jurisdiction of an offense |
|
|
involving or relating to gambling; |
|
|
(5) accepted employment in a position for which |
|
|
commission approval is required after commission approval was |
|
|
denied for a reason involving personal unsuitability or after |
|
|
failing to apply for a license or approval on commission request; |
|
|
(6) been prohibited under color of governmental |
|
|
authority from being present on the premises of any gaming |
|
|
establishment or any establishment where pari-mutuel wagering is |
|
|
conducted for any reason relating to improper gambling activity or |
|
|
for any illegal act; |
|
|
(7) wilfully defied any legislative investigative |
|
|
committee or other officially constituted body acting on behalf of |
|
|
the United States or any state, county, or municipality that sought |
|
|
to investigate alleged or potential crimes relating to gaming, |
|
|
corruption of public officials, or any organized criminal |
|
|
activities; or |
|
|
(8) been convicted of any felony or any crime |
|
|
involving moral turpitude. |
|
|
(e) The commission may prohibit an employee from performing |
|
|
any act relating to video lottery terminals based on a revocation or |
|
|
suspension of any gaming or wagering license, permit, or approval |
|
|
or for any other reason the commission finds appropriate, including |
|
|
a refusal by a regulatory authority to issue a license, permit, or |
|
|
other approval for the employee to engage in or be involved with the |
|
|
lottery or with regulated gaming or pari-mutuel wagering in any |
|
|
jurisdiction. |
|
|
(f) In this section, "employee" includes any person |
|
|
connected directly with or compensated by an applicant or license |
|
|
holder as an agent, personal representative, consultant, |
|
|
independent contractor, or lobbyist for the advocacy of the |
|
|
adoption or amendment of a law related to gaming or lottery |
|
|
activities or the furtherance of gaming or lottery activities in |
|
|
any jurisdiction or as otherwise specified by commission rule. |
|
|
Sec. 466.554. REPORT OF VIOLATIONS. A person who holds a |
|
|
license or certificate of registration under this subchapter shall |
|
|
immediately report a violation or suspected violation of this |
|
|
chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter by any license or |
|
|
certificate holder, by an employee of a license or certificate |
|
|
holder, or by any person on the premises of a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment, whether or not associated with the license or |
|
|
certificate holder. |
|
|
Sec. 466.555. SECURITY. (a) In addition to the security |
|
|
provisions applicable under Section 466.020, a video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager shall: |
|
|
(1) continuously monitor all video lottery terminals |
|
|
through the use of a closed-circuit television system that records |
|
|
activity for a continuous 24-hour period, retain all videotapes or |
|
|
other media used to store video images for at least 30 days, and |
|
|
make the tapes or media available to the commission on request; |
|
|
(2) submit for commission approval a security plan and |
|
|
a floor plan of the area where video lottery terminals are operated |
|
|
showing video lottery terminal locations and security camera mount |
|
|
locations; and |
|
|
(3) employ at least the minimum number of private |
|
|
security personnel the commission determines is necessary to |
|
|
provide for safe and approved operation of the video lottery |
|
|
terminal establishment and the safety and well-being of the |
|
|
players. |
|
|
(b) Private security personnel must be present during all |
|
|
hours of operation at each video lottery terminal establishment. |
|
|
(c) An agent or employee of the commission or the Department |
|
|
of Public Safety or other law enforcement personnel may be present |
|
|
at a video lottery terminal establishment at any time. |
|
|
(d) The commission may adopt rules to impose additional |
|
|
surveillance and security requirements related to video lottery |
|
|
terminal establishments and the operation of video lottery |
|
|
terminals. |
|
|
Sec. 466.556. VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL ESTABLISHMENT: |
|
|
COMMISSION RIGHT TO ENTER. The commission or the commission's |
|
|
representative, after displaying appropriate identification and |
|
|
credentials, has the free and unrestricted right to: |
|
|
(1) enter the premises of a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment; |
|
|
(2) enter any other locations involved in operation or |
|
|
support of video lottery games at all times to examine the systems; |
|
|
and |
|
|
(3) inspect and copy the records of a video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager pertaining to the operation of |
|
|
video lottery games. |
|
|
Sec. 466.557. APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISOR. (a) The |
|
|
commission by rule may provide for the appointment of a supervisor |
|
|
to manage and operate a video lottery terminal establishment at the |
|
|
direction of the commission and perform any act that a video lottery |
|
|
retailer or video lottery manager is entitled to perform in the |
|
|
event that: |
|
|
(1) a video lottery retailer license or other license |
|
|
required for operation of the establishment is revoked or |
|
|
suspended, lapses, or is surrendered; |
|
|
(2) a video lottery terminal establishment has been |
|
|
conveyed or transferred to a secured party receiver or trustee who |
|
|
does not hold the licenses necessary to operate the establishment; |
|
|
or |
|
|
(3) any other event occurs that causes the |
|
|
establishment to cease the operation of video lottery terminals. |
|
|
(b) The rules may allow the commission to: |
|
|
(1) take any action or adopt any procedure necessary |
|
|
to operate a video lottery terminal establishment pending the |
|
|
licensing of a video lottery retailer, video lottery manager, the |
|
|
video lottery establishment, or a successor on the transfer or sale |
|
|
of the establishment or property; and |
|
|
(2) if necessary to continue the operation of the |
|
|
video lottery establishment, sell the establishment to a person |
|
|
that holds or has applied for the licenses required to operate the |
|
|
establishment under this subchapter and make appropriate |
|
|
distributions of the proceeds of the sale. |
|
|
Sec. 466.558. OFFENSE: CONVEYANCE OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL |
|
|
ESTABLISHMENT PROPERTY. (a) A person commits an offense if during |
|
|
the pendency of any proceeding before the commission that may |
|
|
result in the appointment of a supervisor or during the period of |
|
|
supervision the person: |
|
|
(1) sells, leases, or otherwise conveys for less than |
|
|
full market value or pledges as security any property of a video |
|
|
lottery terminal establishment; or |
|
|
(2) removes from this state or secretes from the |
|
|
commission or the supervisor any property, money, books, or records |
|
|
of the video lottery terminal establishment, including evidences of |
|
|
debts owed to the establishment. |
|
|
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a felony of the third |
|
|
degree. |
|
|
Sec. 466.559. INDEMNIFICATION, INSURANCE, AND BONDING |
|
|
REQUIREMENTS. (a) A license or certificate holder shall indemnify |
|
|
and hold harmless this state, the commission, and all officers and |
|
|
employees of this state and the commission from any and all claims |
|
|
which may be asserted against a license or certificate holder, the |
|
|
commission, this state, and the members, officers, employees, and |
|
|
authorized agents of this state or the commission arising from the |
|
|
license or certificate holder's participation in the video lottery |
|
|
system authorized under this chapter. |
|
|
(b) Surety and insurance required under this subchapter |
|
|
shall be issued by companies or financial institutions financially |
|
|
rated "A" or better as rated by A.M. Best Company or other rating |
|
|
organization designated by the commission and duly licensed, |
|
|
admitted, and authorized to conduct business in this state, or by |
|
|
other surety approved by the commission. |
|
|
(c) The commission shall be named as the obligee in each |
|
|
required surety and as an additional insured in each required |
|
|
insurance contract. |
|
|
(d) A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager may |
|
|
not be self-insured with regard to video lottery terminal |
|
|
operations under this section. |
|
|
(e) The commission by rule shall establish minimum |
|
|
insurance coverage requirements for a video lottery retailer, video |
|
|
lottery manager, or video lottery terminal provider, including: |
|
|
(1) insurance for performance; |
|
|
(2) insurance against losses caused by fraudulent or |
|
|
dishonest acts by an officer or employee of a video lottery |
|
|
retailer, video lottery manager, or video lottery terminal |
|
|
provider; |
|
|
(3) general liability insurance; |
|
|
(4) property insurance; |
|
|
(5) liability insurance for drivers and vehicles |
|
|
employed by a video lottery retailer or video lottery manager; and |
|
|
(6) crime insurance for the location. |
|
|
Sec. 466.560. LIABILITY FOR CREDIT AWARDED OR DENIED; |
|
|
PLAYER DISPUTE. This state and the commission are not liable for |
|
|
any video lottery terminal malfunction or error by a video lottery |
|
|
retailer, video lottery manager, or video lottery terminal provider |
|
|
that causes credit to be wrongfully awarded or denied to players. |
|
|
Sec. 466.561. STATE VIDEO LOTTERY ACCOUNT. (a) The |
|
|
commission shall deposit money received under this subchapter to |
|
|
the state video lottery account. The state video lottery account is |
|
|
a special account in the general revenue fund. The account consists |
|
|
of all revenue received by this state from the operation of video |
|
|
lottery terminals. Except as otherwise provided by this |
|
|
subchapter, money in the account may be used solely to fund state |
|
|
governmental programs and the administration of the video lottery |
|
|
system. |
|
|
(b) Not more than two percent of the net terminal income |
|
|
received by this state under Section 466.562 may be used to defray |
|
|
expenses incurred in administering this chapter related to video |
|
|
lottery games, including expenses incurred to operate the video |
|
|
lottery central system. |
|
|
Sec. 466.562. ALLOCATION OF NET TERMINAL INCOME; TRANSFER |
|
|
OF MONEY. (a) Net terminal income derived from the operation of |
|
|
video lottery games in this state is allocated as follows: |
|
|
(1) net terminal income generated from the operation |
|
|
of video lottery terminals at a video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment shall be distributed 65 percent to the establishment |
|
|
and 35 percent to this state; and |
|
|
(2) net terminal income generated from the operation |
|
|
of video lottery terminals on Indian lands under a gaming agreement |
|
|
authorized under this subchapter shall be distributed in accordance |
|
|
with the gaming agreement. |
|
|
(b) The amount of $10 million of the net terminal income |
|
|
received by this state under Subsection (a)(1) in each fiscal year |
|
|
shall be transferred in equal monthly installments to the Texas |
|
|
Racing Commission to fund a compulsive gambling program established |
|
|
by the racing commission. |
|
|
(c) The amount of $10 million of the net terminal income |
|
|
received by this state under Subsection (a)(1) in each fiscal year |
|
|
shall be transferred in equal monthly installments to the criminal |
|
|
justice planning fund for use by the criminal justice division of |
|
|
the governor's office to assist in the prosecution of offenses |
|
|
under Chapter 47, Penal Code. |
|
|
(c-1) Except as otherwise provided by Subsection (c-2): |
|
|
(1) one-quarter of one percent of the net terminal |
|
|
income received by this state under Subsection (a)(1) shall be |
|
|
allocated to the municipality in which the video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment is located; and |
|
|
(2) one-quarter of one percent of the net terminal |
|
|
income received by this state under Subsection (a)(1) shall be |
|
|
allocated to the county in which the video lottery terminal |
|
|
establishment is located. |
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(c-2) If a video lottery terminal establishment is located |
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|
in an unincorporated area, one-half of one percent of the net |
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|
terminal income received by this state under Subsection (a)(1) |
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|
shall be allocated to the county in which the establishment is |
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|
located. |
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|
(c-3) Two percent of the net terminal income received by |
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|
this state under Subsections (a) and (b) shall be transferred to the |
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|
performance horse development fund, administered by the Texas |
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|
Racing Commission to fund a broad spectrum of the horse industry |
|
|
outside the racing industry and to develop the agriculture industry |
|
|
in this state. Money from the fund is allocated annually as |
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|
follows: |
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|
(1) 40 percent of the fund to American Quarter Horse |
|
|
Association sanctioned events; |
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|
(2) 20 percent to National Cutting Horse Association |
|
|
sanctioned events; |
|
|
(3) 20 percent to American Paint Horse Association |
|
|
sanctioned events; and |
|
|
(4) 20 percent to the Department of Agriculture to |
|
|
promote the agricultural industry in this state. |
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|
(d) The commission shall require a video lottery retailer or |
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|
video lottery manager to establish a separate electronic funds |
|
|
transfer account for depositing money from video lottery terminal |
|
|
operations, making payments to the commission or its designee, and |
|
|
receiving payments from the commission or its designee. |
|
|
(e) A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager may |
|
|
not make payments to the commission in cash. As authorized by the |
|
|
commission, a video lottery retailer or video lottery manager may |
|
|
make payments to the commission by cashier's check. |
|
|
(f) The commission at least daily shall transfer this |
|
|
state's share of net terminal income of a video lottery retailer or |
|
|
video lottery manager to the commission through the electronic |
|
|
transfer of the money. |
|
|
(g) The commission by rule shall establish the procedures |
|
|
for: |
|
|
(1) depositing money from video lottery terminal |
|
|
operations into electronic funds transfer accounts; and |
|
|
(2) handling money from video lottery terminal |
|
|
operations. |
|
|
(h) Unless otherwise directed by the commission, a video |
|
|
lottery retailer or a video lottery manager shall maintain in its |
|
|
account this state's share of the net terminal income from the |
|
|
operation of video lottery terminals, to be electronically |
|
|
transferred by the commission on dates established by the |
|
|
commission. On a license holder's failure to maintain this |
|
|
balance, the commission may disable all of a license holder's video |
|
|
lottery terminals until full payment of all amounts due is made. |
|
|
Interest shall accrue on any unpaid balance at a rate consistent |
|
|
with the amount charged under Section 111.060, Tax Code. The |
|
|
interest shall begin to accrue on the date payment is due to the |
|
|
commission. |
|
|
(i) In the commission's sole discretion, rather than |
|
|
disable a license holder's video lottery terminals, the commission |
|
|
may elect to impose a fine on a license holder in an amount |
|
|
determined by the commission not to exceed $250,000 for each |
|
|
violation. If the license holder fails to remedy the violation, |
|
|
including payment of any amounts assessed by or due to this state, |
|
|
within 10 days, the commission may disable the license holder's |
|
|
video lottery terminals or use any other means for collection as |
|
|
provided by the penalty chart established by the commission. |
|
|
(j) A video lottery retailer or video lottery manager is |
|
|
solely responsible for resolving any income discrepancies between |
|
|
actual money collected and the net terminal income reported by the |
|
|
video lottery central system. Unless an accounting discrepancy is |
|
|
resolved in favor of the video lottery retailer or video lottery |
|
|
manager, the commission may not make any credit adjustments. Any |
|
|
accounting discrepancies which cannot otherwise be resolved shall |
|
|
be resolved in favor of the commission. |
|
|
(k) A video lottery retailer and video lottery manager shall |
|
|
remit payment as directed by the commission if the electronic |
|
|
transfer of money is not operational or the commission notifies the |
|
|
license holder that other remittance is required. The license |
|
|
holder shall report this state's share of net terminal income, and |
|
|
remit the amount generated from the terminals during the reporting |
|
|
period. |
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|
Sec. 466.563. COMMISSION EXAMINATION OF FINANCIAL RECORDS. |
|
|
The commission may examine all accounts, bank accounts, financial |
|
|
statements, and records in the possession or control of a person |
|
|
licensed under this subchapter or in which the license holder has an |
|
|
interest. The license holder must authorize and direct all third |
|
|
parties in possession or in control of the accounts or records to |
|
|
allow examination of any of those accounts or records by the |
|
|