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GAMING VESSEL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE To stay on top of the fast-paced gaming vessel market, owner/ operators and builders alike must keep abreast of new and potential legislation on the state ievel. The following informa- tion was excerpted from the Transportation Institute's latest update on Riverboat Gaming Legislation. For more informa- tion on the particular specifi- cations or status of a state's gaming laws, or to subscribe to the report, contact: Trans- portation Institute, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Md. 20746; tel: (301)423-3335; fax: (301)423-0634. Circle 234 on Reader Service Card make sure you have the current facts... in your hands every 10 days with THEMarine Newsletter Edited for Marine Industry decision-makers like yourself... and packed with the kind of "Need To Know" information that you rely on to make critical business decisions... Every 10 days you'll receive your personal First Class copy of The Marine Newsletter... Order yours today! SPECIAL CHARTER SUBSCRIPTION OFFER 20% DISCOUNT — SAVE $59! For FAST service. FAX your order to (212) 677-8843 Or mail your check for $236 to: MARITIME REPORTER 118 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010 USA Enter my subscription to The Marine Newsletter. Ill receive a Full Year— 36 news-packed issues at ® the special introductory rate of $236. " my company. • Enclosed is payment of $236. • Bill me. • Bill Name _ Company _ Address _ City . State _ _ Zip Country _ Signature _ ALASKA In 1993, House Bill (H.B.) 240 was the first gaming bill introduced since 1990. If passed the bill would allow gaming aboard ferries. Intro- duced by Representatives Moses and Bunde, the bill currently is in the House State Affairs Committee. The first half of Alaska's two-year session ended in mid-May, and it reconvenes in January. Most re- cently, an August 1990 referendum to establish casino gaming in the state failed courtesy of a 65 percent "no" vote. Some casino-style gaming is available aboard foreign-flag cruise ships which sail seasonally. CALIFORNIA In 1993 Assembly Bill (A.B.) 74, which would allow casino gaming on U.S.-flag and foreign-flag cruise ves- sels during voyages between Cali- fornia ports, passed the California State Assembly. The bill was as- signed to the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization, and was consequently designated a "two- year bill," allowing it to remain alive for the 1994 legislative session. The committee is unlikely to take action on the bill this year. The state ban on shipboard gaming has been in effect since January 1, 1993. As stipulated by other provisions of A.B. 74, even if the general ban on shipboard gamingis eliminated, such gaming will only be permitted under the following conditions: passengers are embarked on the vessel for 48 hours (allowed to leave the vessel for scheduled port visits or emergen- cies); meals and lodging are provid- ed for every passenger; gaming is strictly an incidental part of the cruise; shipboard gaming is not ad- vertised within California, other than by means of a photograph and a brief description in cruise bro- chures; gaming does not occur in California territorial waters; and the vessel visits at least one port other than the port or ports of embarka- tion and final disembarkation. CONNECTICUT The beginning of the year saw the introduction of Senate Bill (S.B.) 602 which would allow casino gaming on vessels, specifically ferry boats, on the Connecticut and Thames Riv- ers, and on other bodies of water designated by the division of special revenue. The measure died in com- mittee in March, and the governor reportedly opposes the expansion of gaming in Connecticut. In a related move in April, the New London City Council approved the plans of entre- preneur Thomas Graver, Sr. to operate the Europa Jet, a Bahami- an-flag vessel, on gaming cruises-to- SEEUSAT THE RIVERBOAT GAMING CONGRESS & EXPO BOOTH #312 ... only if you want the finest! Fixed Seating with Exclusive Quick Release No Mechanical Parts To Wear Out GE 10/3012 THE GASSER CHAIR COMPANY, INC. 4136 Loganway • Youngstown. OH 44505 216-759-2234 • 1-800-323-2234 No Tools Required For Removal lite Qined in QantisUf SeatuiXf Whether on a riverboat, cruise ship or a land-based casino, Gasser seating is a reliable investment, backed by a time-tested and industry proven 10-year warranty. For the finest in gaming seating, specify Gasser casino engineered seating. Saves Time, Labor and Operational Cost Gasser Chairs exclusive Quick Release is a patented Gaming seating system that allows easy access to gaming machines for repositioning, housekeeping, drop pickup and maintenance. 70 Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
