Consumer Protection Laws in Casinos June 6, 2014 Jonathan Griffin Fiscal Affairs Program

Consumer Protection Laws in CasinosJune 6, 2014

Jonathan GriffinJonathan GriffinFiscal Affairs Program Fiscal Affairs Program

Consumer ProtectionConsumer Protection

• Alcohol Sales and Consumption

• Underage Gambling• The Use of EBT Cards

in Casinos

Free Drinks! 13

Not Allowed 10

Other 1

N/A 26

Alcohol SalesAlcohol SalesSource: American Gaming AssociationSource: American Gaming Association

State Actions to Prevent OverdrinkingState Actions to Prevent Overdrinking

• Bartender/Server Certification Programs– 9 states with voluntary certification regulations– 7 with mandatory certification programs

• Source: APIS• American Gaming recommends that AGA casinos

have a responsible alcohol program• Training for Intervention Procedures (T.I.P.S.)• Enumerated right to remove intoxicated patrons

Misdemeanor 12

Felony 5

Other 7

N/A 26

Licensee Penalties for Underage Licensee Penalties for Underage GamblingGambling

State Actions to Prevent Underage State Actions to Prevent Underage GamblingGambling

• Greater penalties for individuals

• Facial Recognition• Security Allowed to

Detain Underage Patrons

Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012Creation Act of 2012

• Mandates that states can not allow EBT transactions from taking place in certain locations, including establishments with "gaming activities."

• Federal Mandate Necessary?• Are Consumers Being Protected?

Prohibits Use 9

Prohibits Use (CC) 11

Pending Legislation 6

No Laws/Legislation 24

Benefit RestrictionsBenefit Restrictions

Benefit RestrictionsBenefit Restrictions• Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act

was enacted February 2012• 7 states had laws in place prior to enactment

AZ, CA, CO, IN, ME, MA, WA– 2012: 2 states

ID, MD

– 2013: 9 states FL, IA, MO, NH, NY, OK, TN, UT, VA

– 2014: 2 statesAL, MI

• Other State Initiatives

For More InformationFor More Information

Contact InformationContact InformationJonathan.griffin@ncsl.org

ResourcesResourcesFiscal Affairs Homepage: http://www.ncsl.org/fiscal

Economic Development & Trade Homepage:– http://www.ncsl.org/econ