Chapter 006 |
2016 -- S 2081 SUBSTITUTE A Enacted 03/04/2016 |
A N A C T |
RELATING TO SPORTS, RACING, AND ATHLETICS -- AUTHORIZING STATE-OPERATED GAMING AT A FACILITY IN TIVERTON |
Introduced By: Senators Goodwin, Felag, Pearson, and Pagliarini |
Date Introduced: January 19, 2016 |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
SECTION 1. Section 41-7-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 41-7 entitled "Jai Alai" is |
hereby amended to read as follows: |
41-7-3. Regulation of operations -- Licensing. -- (a) The division of racing and athletics |
is hereby authorized to license jai alai in the city of Newport. The operation of a fronton shall be |
under the division's supervision. The division is hereby authorized to issue rules and regulations |
for the supervision of the operations. |
(b) Any license granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the rules |
and regulations promulgated by the division and shall be subject to suspension or revocation for |
any cause which the division shall deem sufficient after giving the licensee a reasonable |
opportunity for a hearing at which he or she shall have the right to be represented by counsel. If |
any license is suspended or revoked, the division shall state the reasons for the suspension or |
revocation and cause an entry of the reasons to be made on the record books of the division. |
(c) Commencing July 1, 2003, the division of racing and athletics shall be prohibited to |
license jai alai in the city of Newport. Any license having been issued and in effect as of that date |
shall be null and void and any licensee shall be prohibited from operating thereunder; provided, |
however, that any entity having been issued a license to operate a jai alai fronton prior to July 1, |
2003, and any successor in interest to such entity by reason of acquiring the stock or substantially |
all of the assets of such entity, shall be deemed a pari-mutuel licensee as defined in § 42-61.2-1 et |
seq., and a licensee as defined in § 41-11-1 et seq.; and provided further, any license to operate a |
jai alai fronton in effect with regard to a facility in Newport shall terminate and be of no further |
force or effect upon the commencement of the operation of video lottery games at a facility |
owned by Twin River-Tiverton located in the town of Tiverton. |
(d) The division of racing and athletics is hereby authorized to grant a pari-mutuel license |
to Twin River-Tiverton with respect to a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, located at the |
intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton, |
provided that the requirements of R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XXII are met with respect to said |
facility, namely that: (1) The secretary of state certifies that the qualified voters of the state have |
approved authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, located at the intersection of |
William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton, to be licensed as a |
pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated casino |
gaming, such as table games; and (2) The board of canvassers of the town of Tiverton certifies (or |
there is certified on its behalf) that the qualified electors of the town of Tiverton have approved |
authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, located at the intersection of William S. |
Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton, to be licensed as a pari-mutuel |
facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as |
table games. |
(e) For purposes of this section, "Twin River-Tiverton" shall mean Twin River-Tiverton, |
LLC and/or the successor in interest thereto by reason of the acquisition of the stock, membership |
interests, or substantially all of the assets of such entity. |
SECTION 2. Sections 42-61.2-1, 42-61.2-2, 42-61.2-2.1, 42-61.2-3.2, 42-61.2-7 and 42- |
61.2-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-61.2 entitled "Video Lottery Terminal" are hereby |
amended to read as follows: |
42-61.2-1. Definitions. -- For the purpose of this chapter, the following words shall |
mean: |
(1) "Central communication system" means a system approved by the lottery division, |
linking all video lottery machines at a licensee location to provide auditing program information |
and any other information determined by the lottery. In addition, the central communications |
system must provide all computer hardware and related software necessary for the establishment |
and implementation of a comprehensive system as required by the division. The central |
communications licensee may provide a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the video lottery |
terminals. |
(2) "Licensed, video-lottery retailer" means a pari-mutuel licensee specifically licensed |
by the director subject to the approval of the division to become a licensed video lottery retailer. |
(3) "Net terminal income" means currency placed into a video lottery terminal less |
credits redeemed for cash by players. |
(4) "Pari-mutuel licensee" means an entity licensed and authorized to conduct: |
(i) Dog racing, An entity licensed pursuant to chapter 3.1 of title 41 §41-3.1-3; and/or |
(ii) Jai-alai games, An entity licensed pursuant to chapter 7 of title 41 §41-7-3. |
(5) "Technology provider" means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association |
that designs, manufactures, installs, maintains, distributes, or supplies video lottery machines or |
associated equipment for the sale or use in this state. |
(6) "Video lottery games" means lottery games played on video lottery terminals |
controlled by the lottery division. |
(7) "Video lottery terminal" means any electronic computerized video game machine |
that, upon the insertion of cash or any other representation of value that has been approved by the |
division of lotteries, is available to play a video game authorized by the lottery division, and that |
uses a video display and microprocessors in which, by chance, the player may receive free games |
or credits that can be redeemed for cash. The term does not include a machine that directly |
dispenses coins, cash, or tokens. |
(8) "Casino gaming" means any and all table and casino-style games played with cards, |
dice, or equipment, for money, credit, or any representative of value; including, but not limited to, |
roulette, blackjack, big six, craps, poker, baccarat, paigow, any banking or percentage game, or |
any other game of device included within the definition of Class III gaming as that term is |
defined in Section 2703(8) of Title 25 of the United States Code and that is approved by the state |
through the division of state lottery. |
(9) "Net, table-game revenue" means win from table games minus counterfeit currency. |
(10) "Rake" means a set fee or percentage of cash and chips representing cash wagered |
in the playing of a nonbanking table game assessed by a table games retailer for providing the |
services of a dealer, gaming table or location, to allow the play of any nonbanking table game. |
(11) "Table game" or "Table gaming" means that type of casino gaming in which table |
games are played for cash or chips representing cash, or any other representation of value that has |
been approved by the division of lotteries, using cards, dice, or equipment and conducted by one |
or more live persons. |
(12) "Table-game retailer" means a retailer authorized to conduct table gaming pursuant |
to §§ 42-61.2-2.1 and 42-61.2-2.2 or 42-61.2-2.3. |
(13) "Credit facilitator" means any employee of Twin River a licensed, video-lottery |
retailer approved in writing by the division whose responsibility is to, among other things, review |
applications for credit by players, verify information on credit applications, grant, deny, and |
suspend credit, establish credit limits, increase and decrease credit limits, and maintain credit |
files, all in accordance with this chapter and rules and regulations approved by the division. |
(14) "Newport Grand" means Newport Grand, LLC, a Rhode Island limited-liability |
company, successor to Newport Grand Jai Alai, LLC, and each permitted successor to and |
assignee of Newport Grand, LLC under the Newport Grand Master Contract, including, but not |
limited to, Premier Entertainment II, LLC and/or Twin River-Tiverton, LLC, provided it is a pari- |
mutuel licensee as defined in § 42-61.2-1 et seq.; provided, further, however, where the context |
indicates that the term is referring to the physical facility, then it shall mean the gaming and |
entertainment facility located at 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode Island. |
(15) "Newport Grand Marketing Year" means each fiscal year of the state or a portion |
thereof between November 23, 2010, and the termination date of the Newport Grand Master |
Contract. |
(16) "Newport Grand Master Contract" means that certain master video lottery terminal |
contract made as of November 23, 2005, by and between the Division of Lotteries of the Rhode |
Island Ddepartment of Aadministration and Newport Grand, as amended and extended from time |
to time as authorized therein and/or as such Newport Grand Master Contract may be assigned as |
permitted therein. |
(17) "Premier" means Premier Entertainment II, LLC and/or its successor in interest by |
reason of the acquisition of the stock, membership interests, or substantially all of the assets of |
such entity. |
(18) "Twin River-Tiverton" means Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and/or its successor in |
interest by reason of the acquisition of the stock, membership interests, or substantially all of the |
assets of such entity. |
42-61.2-2. Division of state lottery authorized to operate video lotteries. -- (a) |
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the division of state lottery is authorized to |
conduct and control video lottery games under its authority. |
(b) Video lottery terminals may only be installed and operated at the facilities of pari- |
mutuel licensee licensees facilities existing as of June 30, 1992, as defined in § 42-61.2-1(4), |
which are specifically approved by the state lottery director, to be licensed video lottery retailers |
according to rules and regulations set forth by the director. At any one time, there shall be no |
more than two (2) pari-mutuel licensee facilities in which video lottery games are conducted, one |
located in the town of Lincoln, and one located either in the city of Newport or in the town of |
Tiverton. |
(c) Commencing July 1, 2005, the number of video lottery terminals to be installed at |
pari-mutuel license facilities shall be established by the general assembly. |
(d) Pursuant to Article 6, section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution R.I. Const., |
Art. VI, Sec. XV, the general assembly shall determine the type of lotteries conducted. |
42-61.2-2.1. State authorized to operate casino gaming. -- (a) State-operated casino |
gaming shall be authorized at the facility of the licensed video lottery terminal retailer known as |
"Twin River" located in the town of Lincoln; provided, that the requirements of Article VI, |
Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XXII are met with |
respect to said facility at the general election next held after enactment of this section. |
(1) With respect to the "Twin River" facility, the authorization of this section 2.1 shall be |
effective upon: (i) The certification by the secretary of state that the qualified voters of the state |
have approved the expansion of gambling at such facility to include casino gaming; and (ii) The |
certification by the board of canvassers of the town of Lincoln that qualified electors of the town |
of Lincoln have approved the expansion of gambling at such facility to include casino gaming. |
(b) The general assembly finds that: |
(1) The operation of casino gaming at Twin River will play a critical role in the economy |
of the state and enhance state and local revenues; |
(2) Pursuant to Article VI, Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution R.I. Const., |
Art. VI, Sec. XV and the specific powers, authorities, and safeguards set forth in subsection (c) |
herein in connection with the operation of casino gaming, the state shall have full operational |
control over the specified location at which casino gaming shall be conducted; |
(3) It is in the best interest of the state to have the authorization to operate casino gaming |
as specified at Twin River; and |
(4) It is in the best interest of the state to conduct an extensive analysis and evaluation of |
competitive casino gaming operations and thereafter for the general assembly to enact |
comprehensive legislation during the 2012 legislative session to determine the terms and |
conditions pursuant to which casino gaming would be operated in the state if it is authorized as |
set forth herein. |
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and pursuant to Article VI, Section |
15 of the Rhode Island Constitution R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XV, the state is authorized to |
operate, conduct, and control casino gaming at Twin River, subject to subsection (a) above. In |
furtherance thereof, the state, through the division of state lottery and/or the department of |
business regulation, shall have full operational control to operate the foregoing facility, the |
authority to make all decisions about all aspects of the functioning of the business enterprise, |
including, without limitation, the power and authority to: |
(1) Determine the number, type, placement, and arrangement of casino gaming games, |
tables, and sites within the facility; |
(2) Establish, with respect to casino gaming, one or more systems for linking, tracking, |
depositing, and reporting of receipts, audits, annual reports, prohibitive conduct, and other such |
matters determined from time to time; |
(3) Collect all receipts from casino gaming, require that Twin River collect casino |
gaming gross receipts in trust for the state through the division of state lottery, deposit such |
receipts into an account or accounts of its choice, allocate such receipts according to law, and |
otherwise maintain custody and control over all casino gaming receipts and funds; |
(4) Hold and exercise sufficient powers over Twin River's accounting and finances to |
allow for adequate oversight and verification of the financial aspects of casino gaming at the |
facility, including, without limitation: |
(i) The right to require Twin River to maintain an annual balance sheet, profit-and-loss |
statement, and any other necessary information or reports; and |
(ii) The authority and power to conduct periodic compliance or special or focused audits |
of the information or reports provided, as well as the premises with the facility containing records |
of casino gaming or in which the business of Twin River's casino gaming operations are |
conducted; |
(5) Monitor all casino gaming operations and have the power to terminate or suspend |
any casino gaming activities in the event of an integrity concern or other threat to the public trust, |
and in furtherance thereof, require the licensed video lottery retailer to provide a specified area or |
areas from which to conduct such monitoring activities; |
(6) Define and limit the rules of play and odds of authorized casino gaming games, |
including, without limitation, the minimum and maximum wagers for each casino gaming game; |
(7) Have approval rights over matters relating to the employment of individuals to be |
involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino gaming at Twin River; |
(8)(7) Establish compulsive gambling treatment programs; |
(9)(8) Promulgate, or propose for promulgation, any legislative, interpretive, and |
procedural rules necessary for the successful implementation, administration, and enforcement of |
this chapter; and |
(10)(9) Hold all other powers necessary and proper to fully effectively execute and |
administer the provisions of this chapter for its purpose of allowing the state to operate a casino |
gaming facility through a licensed video lottery retailer hosting said casino gaming on behalf of |
the State of Rhode Island. |
(d) Subject to subsection (a) above, the state, through the division of state lottery and/or |
the department of business regulation, may expand Twin River existing video lottery license |
issued, or issue Twin River a new casino gaming license, to permit casino gaming to the extent |
authorized by this act. |
(e) Subject to subsection (a) above, all rules and regulations shall be promulgated by the |
state, through the division of state lottery and the department of business regulation, in |
accordance with the authority conferred upon the general assembly pursuant to Article VI, |
Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XV. In accord |
therewith, subject to subsection (a) above, the state, through the division of state lottery and/or |
the department of business regulation, shall have authority to issue such regulations as it deems |
appropriate pertaining to control, operation and management of casino gaming as specifically set |
forth in subsections (b) and (c) herein. |
(f) The Rhode Island state police, through its gaming enforcement unit, shall have the |
authority to monitor and investigate criminal violations related to casino gaming activities |
consistent with chapter 42-61.3. |
(g) The state, through the department of revenue, division of state lottery, and/or the |
department of business regulation, shall have approval rights over matters relating to the |
employment of individuals to be involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino |
gaming at Twin River. |
42-61.2-3.2. Gaming credit authorized. -- (a) Authority. - In addition to the powers and |
duties of the state lottery director under §§ 42-61-4, 42-61.2-3, 42-61.2-3.1 and 42-61.2-4, the |
division shall authorize Twin River each licensed video lottery retailer to extend credit to players |
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this chapter. |
(b) Credit. - Notwithstanding any provision of the general laws to the contrary, |
including, without limitation, § 11-19-17, except for applicable licensing laws and regulations, |
Twin River each licensed video lottery retailer may extend interest-free, unsecured credit to its |
patrons for the sole purpose of such patrons making wagers at table games and/or video lottery |
terminals at the Twin River licensed, video-lottery retailer's facility subject to the terms and |
conditions of this chapter. |
(c) Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this section, Twin |
River Each licensed video lottery retailer shall be subject to submit to the division of lotteries, for |
review and approval, proposed rules and regulations submitted by licensed, video-lottery retailers |
and subject to the approval of the division of lotteries regarding the establishment of procedures |
governing a program for the extension of credit and requirements with respect to a credit |
applicant's financial fitness, including, without limitation,: annual income,; debt-to-income ratio,; |
prior credit history,; average monthly bank balance; and/or level of play. The division of lotteries |
may approve, approve with modification, or disapprove any portion of the policies and |
procedures submitted for review and approval. |
(d) Credit applications. - Each applicant for credit shall submit a written application to |
Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer that shall be maintained by Twin River the |
licensed, video-lottery retailer for three (3) years in a confidential credit file. The application shall |
include the patron's name; address; telephone number; social security number; comprehensive |
bank account information; the requested credit limit; the patron's approximate amount of current |
indebtedness; the amount and source of income in support of the application; the patron's |
signature on the application; a certification of truthfulness; and any other information deemed |
relevant by Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer or the division of lotteries. |
(e) Credit application verification. - As part of the review of a credit application and |
before an application for credit is approved, Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer shall |
verify: |
(1) The identity, creditworthiness, and indebtedness information of the applicant by |
conducting a comprehensive review of: |
(i) The information submitted with the application; |
(ii) Indebtedness information regarding the applicant received from a credit bureau; |
and/or |
(iii) Information regarding the applicant's credit activity at other licensed facilities that |
Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer may obtain through a casino credit bureau and, if |
appropriate, through direct contact with other casinos. |
(2) That the applicant's name is not included on an exclusion or self-exclusion list |
maintained by Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer and/or the division of lotteries. |
(3) As part of the credit application, Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer shall |
notify each applicant in advance that Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer will verify the |
information in subsections (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this section and may verify any other information |
provided by the applicant as part of the credit application. The applicant is required to |
acknowledge in writing that he or she understands that the verification process will be conducted |
as part of the application process and that he or she consents to having said verification process |
conducted. |
(f) Establishment of credit. - After a review of the credit application, and upon |
completion of the verification required under subsection (e) of this section, and subject to the |
rules and regulations approved by the division of lotteries, a credit facilitator may approve or |
deny an application for credit to a player. The credit facilitator shall establish a credit limit for |
each patron to whom credit is granted. The approval or denial of credit shall be recorded in the |
applicant's credit file that shall also include the information that was verified as part of the review |
process, and the reasons and information relied on by the credit facilitator in approving or |
denying the extension of credit and determining the credit limit. Subject to the rules and |
regulations approved by the division of lotteries, increases to an individual's credit limit may be |
approved by a credit facilitator upon receipt of written request from the player after a review of |
updated financial information requested by the credit facilitator and re-verification of the player's |
credit information. |
(g) Recordkeeping. - Detailed information pertaining to all transactions affecting an |
individual's outstanding indebtedness to Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer shall be |
recorded in chronological order in the individual's credit file. The financial information in an |
application for credit and documents related thereto shall be confidential. All credit application |
files shall be maintained by Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer in a secure manner and |
shall not be accessible to anyone not a credit facilitator or a Twin River manager or officer of a |
licensed, video-lottery retailer responsible for the oversight of the extension of credit program. |
(h) Reduction or suspension of credit. - A credit facilitator may reduce a player's credit |
limit or suspend his or her credit to the extent permitted by the rules and regulations approved by |
the division of lotteries and shall reduce a player's credit limit or suspend a player's credit limit as |
required by said rules and regulations. |
(i) Voluntary credit suspension. - A player may request that Twin River the licensed, |
video-lottery retailer suspend or reduce his or her credit. Upon receipt of a written request to do |
so, the player's credit shall be reduced or suspended as requested. A copy of the request and the |
action taken by the credit facilitator shall be placed in the player's credit application file. |
(j) Liability. - In the event that a player fails to repay a debt owed to Twin River a |
licensed, video-lottery retailer resulting from the extension of credit by Twin River that licensed, |
video-lottery retailer, neither the state of Rhode Island nor the division of lotteries shall be |
responsible for the loss and said loss shall not affect net, table-game revenue or net terminal |
income. Twin River A licensed, video-lottery retailer, the state of Rhode Island, the division of |
lotteries, and/or any employee of Twin River a licensed, video-lottery retailer, shall not be liable |
in any judicial or administrative proceeding to any player, any individual, or any other party, |
including table game players or individuals on the voluntary suspension list, for any harm, |
monetary or otherwise, that may arise as a result of: |
(1) Granting or denial of credit to a player; |
(2) Increasing the credit limit of a player; |
(3) Allowing a player to exercise his or her right to use credit as otherwise authorized; |
(4) Failure of Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer to increase a credit limit; |
(5) Failure of Twin River the licensed, video-lottery retailer to restore credit privileges |
that have been suspended, whether involuntarily or at the request of the table game patron; or |
(6) Permitting or prohibiting an individual whose credit privileges have been suspended, |
whether involuntarily or at the request of the player, to engage in gaming activity in a licensed |
facility while on the voluntary credit suspension list. |
(k) Limitations. - Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, for any extensions |
of credit, the maximum amount of outstanding credit per player shall be fifty thousand dollars |
($50,000). |
42-61.2-7. Division of revenue. -- (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-61-15, the |
allocation of net, terminal income derived from video lottery games is as follows: |
(1) For deposit in the general fund and to the state lottery division fund for |
administrative purposes: Net, terminal income not otherwise disbursed in accordance with |
subdivisions (a)(2) -- (a)(6) inclusive, or otherwise disbursed in accordance with subsections |
(g)(2) and (h)(2); |
(i) Except for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, nineteen one hundredths of one |
percent (0.19%), up to a maximum of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000), shall be equally |
allocated to the distressed communities as defined in § 45-13-12 provided that no eligible |
community shall receive more than twenty-five percent (25%) of that community's currently |
enacted municipal budget as its share under this specific subsection. Distributions made under |
this specific subsection are supplemental to all other distributions made under any portion of |
general laws § 45-13-12. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, distributions by community |
shall be identical to the distributions made in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, and shall be |
made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the total state |
distribution shall be the same total amount distributed in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, and |
shall be made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, the total |
state distribution shall be the same total amount distributed in the fiscal year ending June 30, |
2009, and shall be made from general appropriations, provided, however, that seven hundred |
eighty-four thousand four hundred fifty-eight dollars ($784,458) of the total appropriation shall |
be distributed equally to each qualifying distressed community. For each of the fiscal years |
ending June 30, 2011, June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2013, seven hundred eighty-four thousand four |
hundred fifty-eight dollars ($784,458) of the total appropriation shall be distributed equally to |
each qualifying distressed community. |
(ii) Five one hundredths of one percent (0.05%), up to a maximum of five million dollars |
($5,000,000), shall be appropriated to property tax relief to fully fund the provisions of § 44-33- |
2.1. The maximum credit defined in subdivision 44-33-9(2) shall increase to the maximum |
amount to the nearest five dollar ($5.00) increment within the allocation until a maximum credit |
of five hundred dollars ($500) is obtained. In no event shall the exemption in any fiscal year be |
less than the prior fiscal year. |
(iii) One and twenty-two one hundredths of one percent (1.22%) to fund § 44-34.1-1, |
entitled "Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax Elimination Act of 1998", to the maximum |
amount to the nearest two hundred fifty dollar ($250) increment within the allocation. In no event |
shall the exemption in any fiscal year be less than the prior fiscal year. |
(iv) Except for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, ten one hundredths of one percent |
(0.10%), to a maximum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000), for supplemental distribution to |
communities not included in subsection (a)(1)(i) above distributed proportionately on the basis of |
general revenue sharing distributed for that fiscal year. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, |
distributions by community shall be identical to the distributions made in the fiscal year ending |
June 30, 2007, and shall be made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, |
2009, no funding shall be disbursed. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, and thereafter, |
funding shall be determined by appropriation. |
(2) To the licensed, video-lottery retailer: |
(a) (i) Prior to the effective date of the Newport Grand Master Contract, Newport Grand |
twenty-six percent (26%), minus three hundred eighty-four thousand nine hundred ninety-six |
dollars ($384,996); |
(ii) On and after the effective date of the Newport Grand Master Contract, to the |
licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract, all sums due |
and payable under said Master Contract, minus three hundred eighty four thousand nine hundred |
ninety-six dollars ($384,996). |
(iii) Effective July 1, 2013, the rate of net, terminal income payable to Newport Grand, |
LLC under the licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand master |
contract Master Contract shall increase by two and one quarter percent (2.25%) points. The |
increase herein shall sunset and expire on June 30, 2015, and the rate in effect as of June 30, |
2013, shall be reinstated. |
(iv) (A) Effective July 1, 2015, the rate of net, terminal income payable to Newport |
Grand, under the licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master |
Contract shall increase over the rate in effect as of June 30, 2013, by one and nine-tenths (1.9%) |
(1.9) percentage points. (i.e., x% plus 1.9 percentage points equals (x + 1.9)%, where "x%" is the |
current rate of net terminal income payable to the licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to |
the Newport Grand Master Contract). The dollar amount of additional net, terminal income paid |
to the licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract with |
respect to any Newport Grand Marketing Year as a result of such increase in rate shall be referred |
to as "Additional Newport Grand Marketing NTI." |
(B) The excess, if any, of Newport Grand's marketing expenditures incurred by the |
licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract with respect |
to a Newport Grand Marketing Year over one million four hundred thousand dollars ($1,400,000) |
shall be referred to as the "Newport Grand Marketing Incremental Spend." Beginning with the |
Newport Grand Marketing Year that starts on July 1, 2015, after the end of each Newport Grand |
Marketing Year, Newport Grand the licensed, video-lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport |
Grand Master Contract shall pay to the Division the amount, if any, by which the Additional |
Newport Grand Marketing NTI for such Newport Grand Marketing Year exceeds the Newport |
Grand Marketing Incremental Spend for such Newport Grand Marketing Year; provided |
however, that Newport Grand's such video-lottery retailer's liability to the Division hereunder |
with respect to any Newport Grand Marketing Year shall never exceed the Additional Newport |
Grand Marketing NTI paid to Newport Grand such video-lottery retailer with respect to such |
Newport Grand Marketing Year. |
The increase herein in subsection 2(a)(iv) shall sunset and expire on June 30, 2017, and |
the rate in effect as of June 30, 2013 shall be reinstated. |
(b) (i) Prior to the effective date of the UTGR master contract, to the present, licensed, |
video-lottery retailer at Lincoln Park, which is not a party to the UTGR, master contract, twenty- |
eight and eighty-five one hundredths percent (28.85%), minus seven hundred sixty-seven |
thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars ($767,687); |
(ii) On and after the effective date of the UTGR master contract, to the licensed, video- |
lottery retailer that is a party to the UTGR master contract, all sums due and payable under said |
master contract minus seven hundred sixty-seven thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars |
($767,687). |
(3) (i) To the technology providers that are not a party to the GTECH Master Contract as |
set forth and referenced in Public Law PL 2003, Chapter CH. 32, seven percent (7%) of the |
net, terminal income of the provider's terminals; in addition thereto, technology providers that |
provide premium or licensed proprietary content or those games that have unique characteristics, |
such as 3D graphics; unique math/game play features; or merchandising elements to video-lottery |
terminals; may receive incremental compensation, either in the form of a daily fee or as an |
increased percentage, if all of the following criteria are met: |
(A) A licensed, video-lottery retailer has requested the placement of premium or licensed |
proprietary content at its licensed, video-lottery facility; |
(B) The division of lottery has determined in its sole discretion that the request is likely |
to increase net, terminal income or is otherwise important to preserve or enhance the |
competiveness of the licensed, video-lottery retailer; |
(C) After approval of the request by the division of lottery, the total number of premium |
or licensed, proprietary-content video-lottery terminals does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the |
total number of video-lottery terminals authorized at the respective licensed, video-lottery |
retailer; and |
(D) All incremental costs are shared between the division and the respective licensed, |
video-lottery retailer based upon their proportionate allocation of net terminal income. The |
division of lottery is hereby authorized to amend agreements with the licensed, video-lottery |
retailers, or the technology providers, as applicable, to effect the intent herein. |
(ii) To contractors that are a party to the master contract as set forth and referenced in |
Public Law PL 2003, Chapter CH. 32, all sums due and payable under said master contract; and |
(iii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (i) and (ii) above, there shall be subtracted |
proportionately from the payments to technology providers the sum of six hundred twenty-eight |
thousand seven hundred thirty-seven dollars ($628,737). |
(4) (A) Until video lottery games are no longer operated at the Newport Grand gaming |
facility located in Newport, to To the city of Newport one and one hundredth percent (1.01%) of |
net terminal income of authorized machines at Newport Grand, except that: effective |
(i) Effective November 9, 2009, until June 30, 2013, the allocation shall be one and two |
tenths percent (1.2%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at Newport Grand for each |
week the facility operates video lottery games on a twenty-four-hour (24) basis for all eligible |
hours authorized; and |
(ii) Effective July 1, 2013, provided that the referendum measure authorized by Section 1 |
of Chapters 24 and 25 of the Public Laws of 2012 is approved statewide and in the City of |
Newport, the allocation shall be one and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal |
income of authorized video lottery terminals at Newport Grand; and |
(B) Upon commencement of the operation of video-lottery games at Twin River- |
Tiverton's facility located in the town of Tiverton, to the town of Tiverton one and forty-five |
hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at the licensed video |
lottery retailer's facility located in the town of Tiverton, subject to subsection (g)(2); and |
(B)(C) To the town of Lincoln, one and twenty-six hundredths percent (1.26%) of net |
terminal income of authorized machines at Twin River except that;: |
(i) Effective November 9, 2009, until June 30, 2013, the allocation shall be one and |
forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at Twin |
River for each week video lottery games are offered on a twenty-four-hour (24) basis for all |
eligible hours authorized; and |
(ii) Effective July 1, 2013, provided that the referendum measure authorized by Article |
25, Chapter 151, Section 4 of the Public Laws of 2011 PL 2011, Ch. 151, Sec. 4, is approved |
statewide and in the Town of Lincoln, the allocation shall be one and forty-five hundredths |
percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized video lottery terminals at Twin River, |
subject to subsection (h)(2); and |
(5) To the Narragansett Indian Tribe, seventeen hundredths of one percent (0.17%) of net |
terminal income of authorized machines at Lincoln Park, up to a maximum of ten million dollars |
($10,000,000) per year, that shall be paid to the Narragansett Indian Tribe for the account of a |
Tribal Development Fund to be used for the purpose of encouraging and promoting: home |
ownership and improvement; elderly housing; adult vocational training; health and social |
services; childcare; natural resource protection; and economic development consistent with state |
law. Provided, however, such distribution shall terminate upon the opening of any gaming facility |
in which the Narragansett Indians are entitled to any payments or other incentives; and provided, |
further, any monies distributed hereunder shall not be used for, or spent on, previously contracted |
debts; and |
(6) Unclaimed prizes and credits shall remit to the general fund of the state; and |
(7) Payments into the state's general fund specified in subdivisions subsections (a)(1) |
and (a)(6) shall be made on an estimated monthly basis. Payment shall be made on the tenth day |
following the close of the month except for the last month when payment shall be on the last |
business day. |
(b) Notwithstanding the above, the amounts payable by the division to UTGR related to |
the marketing program shall be paid on a frequency agreed by the division, but no less frequently |
than annually. |
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter 61.2 of this title to the contrary, the director |
is authorized to fund the marketing program as described above in regard to the first amendment |
to the UTGR master contract. |
(d) Notwithstanding the above, the amounts payable by the division to the licensed video |
lottery retailer who is a party to the Newport Grand Master Contract related to the marketing |
program shall be paid on a frequency agreed by the division, but no less frequently than annually. |
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter 61.2 of this title to the contrary, the director |
is authorized to fund the marketing program as described above in regard to the first amendment |
to the Newport Grand master contract Master Contract. |
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-61-15, but subject to §42-61.2-7(h), the |
allocation of net, table-game revenue derived from table-games table games at Twin River is as |
follows: |
(1) For deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the |
balance remaining into the general fund: |
(i) Sixteen percent (16%) of net, table-game revenue, except as provided in § 42-61.2- |
7(f)(1)(ii); |
(ii) An additional two percent (2%) of net, table-game revenue generated at Twin River |
shall be allocated starting from the commencement of table games activities by such table-game |
retailer and ending, with respect to such table-game retailer, on the first date that such table-game |
retailer's net terminal income for a full state fiscal year is less than such table-game retailer's net |
terminal income for the prior state fiscal year, at which point this additional allocation to the state |
shall no longer apply to such table-game retailer. |
(2) To UTGR, net,, table-game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to above |
subsection (f)(1); provided, however, on the first date that such table-game retailer's net terminal |
income for a full state fiscal year is less than such table-game retailer's net terminal income for |
the prior state fiscal year, as set forth in subsection (f)(1)(ii) above, one percent (1%) of this net, |
table-game revenue shall be allocated to the town of Lincoln for four (4), consecutive state fiscal |
years. |
(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-61-15, the allocation of net, table-game |
revenue derived from table games at Newport Grand is as follows: |
(1) For deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the balance |
remaining into the general fund: eighteen percent (18%) of net, table-game revenue. |
(2) To Newport Grand LLC, net table-game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to |
subsection (g)(1) provided, however, on the first date that such table-game retailer's net terminal |
income for a full state fiscal year is less than such table-game retailer's net terminal income for |
the prior state fiscal year, one percent (1%) of this net, table-game revenue shall be allocated to |
the city of Newport for four (4) consecutive state fiscal years. |
(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of §42-61-15, the allocation of net, table-game |
revenue derived from table games at the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton is as |
follows: |
(1) Subject to subsection(g)(2) of this section, one percent (1%) of net, table-game |
revenue shall be allocated to the town of Tiverton; |
(2) Fifteen and one-half percent (15.5%) of net, table-game revenue shall be allocated to |
the state first for deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the |
balance remaining into the general fund; provided however, that beginning with the first state |
fiscal year that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton offers patrons |
video lottery games and table games for all of such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year and |
each subsequent state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery games and |
table games for all of such state fiscal year, if the town of Tiverton has not received an aggregate |
of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the state fiscal year from net, table-game revenues and net |
terminal income, combined, generated by such Tiverton facility, then the state shall make up such |
shortfall to the town of Tiverton out of the state's percentage of net, table-game revenue set forth |
in this subsection (g)(2) and net terminal income set forth in subsubsections (a)(1) and (a)(6); |
provided further however, if in any state fiscal year either video lottery games or table games are |
no longer offered at a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC, then |
the state shall not be obligated to make up the shortfall referenced in this subsection (g)(2); and |
(3) Net, table-game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to subsections (g)(1) and |
(g)(2) of this section shall be allocated to Twin River-Tiverton. |
(h) Notwithstanding the foregoing §42-61.2-7(f) and superseding that section effective |
upon the first date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton offers |
patrons video lottery games and table games, the allocation of net, table-game revenue derived |
from table games at Twin River in Lincoln shall be as follows: |
(1) Subject to subsection (h)(2), one percent (1%) of net, table-game revenue shall be |
allocated to the town of Lincoln; |
(2) Fifteen and one-half percent (15.5%) of net, table-game revenue shall be allocated to |
the state first for deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the |
balance remaining into the general fund; provided however, that beginning with the first state |
fiscal year that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton offers patrons |
video lottery games and table games for all of such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year and |
each subsequent state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video lottery games and |
table games for all of such state fiscal year, if the town of Lincoln has not received an aggregate |
of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the state fiscal year from net, table-game revenues and net |
terminal income, combined, generated by the Twin River facility in Lincoln, then the state shall |
make up such shortfall to the town of Lincoln out of the state's percentage of net, table-game |
revenue set forth in this subsection (h)(2) and net terminal income set forth in subsections (a)(1) |
and (a)(6); provided further however, if in any state fiscal year either video lottery games or table |
games are no longer offered at a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin River-Tiverton, |
LLC, then the state shall not be obligated to make up the shortfall referenced in this subsection |
(h)(2); and |
(3) Net, table-game revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to subsections (h)(1) and |
(h)(2) shall be allocated to UTGR. |
42-61.2-15. Table game hours of operation. [See Applicability notes.]. -- To the extent |
Ttable Ggames are authorized at Twin River the premises of a table game retailer, such Ttable |
Ggames may be offered at Twin River the premises of a table game retailer for all or a portion of |
the days and times that VLTs video lottery games are offered. To the extent Table Games are |
authorized at Newport Grand, such Table Games may be offered at Newport Grand for all or a |
portion of the days and times that VLTs are offered. |
SECTION 3. Chapter 42-61.2 entitled "Video Lottery Terminal" is hereby amended by |
adding thereto the following section: |
42-61.2-2.3. State authorized to operate casino gaming in Tiverton. -- (a) State- |
operated casino gaming shall be authorized at the Tiverton facility of Twin River-Tiverton, a |
licensed video lottery retailer, which facility is located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection |
of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road, provided that the requirements of R.I. |
Const., Art. VI, Sec. XXII are met with respect to said facility, namely that: |
(1) The secretary of state certifies that the qualified voters of the state have approved |
authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located at the intersection of William S. |
Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-mutuel |
facility and offer state-operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as |
table games; |
(2) The board of canvassers of the town of Tiverton certifies (or there is certified on its |
behalf) that the qualified electors of the town of Tiverton have approved authorizing a facility |
owned by Twin River-Tiverton and located at the intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard |
and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state- |
operated video lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games; and |
(3) The department of business regulation, division of racing and athletics, issues to Twin |
River-Tiverton a license as a pari-mutuel facility, and the department of revenue, state lottery |
division issues to Twin River-Tiverton a license to offer state-operated video lottery games and a |
license to offer state-operated casino gaming, such as table games. |
(b) With respect to the facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located at the intersection |
of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton, the authorization of |
this section shall be effective upon the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section |
having been met with respect to such facility. |
(c) The general assembly finds that: |
(1) The operation of casino gaming in the town of Tiverton will play a critical role in the |
economy of the state and enhance state and local revenues; |
(2) Replacing the state-operated gaming facility in the city of Newport with a state- |
operated gaming facility in the town of Tiverton is desirable to maximize state and local |
revenues; |
(3) Pursuant to R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XV and the specific powers, authorities and |
safeguards set forth in subsection (d) of this section in connection with the operation of casino |
gaming, the state shall have full operational control over casino gaming at the specified location |
in the town of Tiverton; and |
(4) It is in the best interest of the state to have the authorization to operate casino gaming |
as specified in the town of Tiverton. |
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and pursuant to R.I. Const., Art. VI, |
Sec. XV, the state is authorized to operate, conduct and control casino gaming at the facility of |
Twin River-Tiverton located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection of William S. Canning |
Boulevard and Stafford Road, subject to the provisions of subsection (a). In furtherance thereof, |
the state, through the division of state lottery, shall have full operational control to operate the |
foregoing facility, the authority to make all decisions about all aspects of the functioning of the |
business enterprise, including, without limitation, the power and authority to: |
(1) Determine the number, type, placement, and arrangement of casino gaming games, |
tables and sites within the facility; |
(2) Establish with respect to casino gaming one or more systems for linking, tracking, |
deposit, and reporting of receipts, audits, annual reports, prohibitive conduct, and other such |
matters determined from time to time; |
(3) Collect all receipts from casino gaming, require that Twin River-Tiverton collect |
casino gaming gross receipts in trust for the state through the division of state lottery, deposit |
such receipts into an account or accounts of its choice, allocate such receipts according to law, |
and otherwise maintain custody and control over all casino gaming receipts and funds; |
(4) Hold and exercise sufficient powers over Twin River-Tiverton's accounting and |
finances to allow for adequate oversight and verification of the financial aspects of casino gaming |
at the facility, including, without limitation: |
(i) The right to require Twin River-Tiverton to maintain an annual balance sheet, profit- |
and-loss statement, and any other necessary information or reports; and |
(ii) The authority and power to conduct periodic compliance or special or focused audits |
of the information or reports provided, as well as the premises with the facility containing records |
of casino gaming or in which the business of Twin River-Tiverton's casino gaming activities are |
conducted; |
(5) Monitor all casino gaming operations and have the power to terminate or suspend any |
casino gaming activities in the event of an integrity concern or other threat to the public trust and |
in furtherance thereof, require Twin River-Tiverton to provide a specified area or areas from |
which to conduct such monitoring activities; |
(6) Define and limit the rules of play and odds of authorized casino gaming games, |
including, without limitation, the minimum and maximum wagers for each casino gaming game; |
(7) Establish compulsive gambling treatment programs; |
(8) Promulgate, or propose for promulgation, any legislative, interpretive, and procedural |
rules necessary for the successful implementation, administration, and enforcement of this |
chapter; and |
(9) Hold all other powers necessary and proper to fully effectively execute and administer |
the provisions of this chapter for its purpose of allowing the state to operate a casino gaming |
facility through a licensed, video-lottery retailer hosting said casino gaming on behalf of the state |
of Rhode Island. |
(e) The state, through the department of revenue, division of state lottery, and/or the |
department of business regulation, shall have approval rights over matters relating to the |
employment of individuals to be involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino |
gaming in the town of Tiverton. |
(f) Subject to subsection (a), the state, through the division of state lottery, may issue |
Twin River-Tiverton new video lottery and casino gaming licenses to permit video lottery and |
casino gaming to the extent authorized by this chapter 61.2 of this title. |
(g) Subject to subsection (a), all rules and regulations shall be promulgated by the state, |
through the division of state lottery, in accordance with the authority conferred upon the general |
assembly pursuant to R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XV. In accordance therewith, subject to |
subsection (a), the state, through the division of state lottery, shall have authority to issue such |
regulations as it deems appropriate pertaining to control, operation and management of casino |
gaming as specifically set forth in subsections (b), (c) and (d). |
(h) The Rhode Island state police through its gaming enforcement unit shall have the |
authority to monitor and investigate criminal violations related to casino gaming activities |
consistent with chapter 61.3 of this title. |
(i) Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, Twin River-Tiverton shall not |
commence video lottery or casino gaming activities prior to the completion, by the department of |
transportation, of the already planned roundabout, DOT project #0103S, and funds for such |
project shall be allocated such that the project is scheduled to be completed, and is completed, by |
July 1, 2018. |
SECTION 4. Nothing in this act shall abrogate or diminish the powers of the state, |
through the division of state lottery, to conduct and control video lottery terminals pursuant to |
chapter 61.2 of title 42. |
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution and |
notwithstanding the provisions of §41-9-4: |
(a) The following question shall be submitted by the secretary of state to the qualified |
electors of the state at the statewide general election to be held in November of 2016, and the |
secretary of state shall certify the election results: |
"Shall an act be approved which would authorize a facility owned by Twin River- |
Tiverton, LLC, located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection of William S. Canning |
Boulevard and Stafford Road, to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated |
video-lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games?'' |
(b) The following question shall be submitted by the local board of canvassers to the |
qualified electors of the town of Tiverton at the next statewide general election, and the local |
board of canvassers of the town of Tiverton shall certify (or have certified on its behalf) to the |
secretary of state the local election results of the electors voting in the town of Tiverton: |
"Shall an act be approved which would authorize a facility owned by Twin River- |
Tiverton, LLC, located in the town of Tiverton at the intersection of William S. Canning |
Boulevard and Stafford Road, to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated |
video-lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games?'' |
SECTION 6. The question set forth in Section 5(a) of this act to be submitted to the |
qualified electors of the state relating to the expansion of gaming in Tiverton shall appear on the |
ballots provided to the qualified electors of the state as the first referendum question. The |
question set forth in Section 5(b) to be submitted to the qualified electors of the town of Tiverton |
relating to the expansion of gaming in Tiverton shall appear on the ballots provided to the |
qualified electors of the town of Tiverton as the first referendum question. |
SECTION 7. Authorization of Amendments to UTGR and Newport Grand Master |
Contracts -- Purpose. The general assembly hereby finds that video-lottery games and casino |
games are important sources of revenue for the state. The purpose of the following sections |
relating to a potential new gaming facility in Tiverton and the cessation of gaming activity in |
Newport is to help strengthen the commercial health of all gaming facilities in Rhode Island and |
to protect and promote, for the people of the state, the public's share of revenues generated |
thereby. It is the intent of the general assembly that this act, being necessary for the welfare of the |
state and its citizens, shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate its purposes, including, |
without limitation, the state's attempt to minimize specific commercial risks that threaten the |
state's gaming facilities and the critical local and state revenue generated thereby. |
SECTION 8. Authorization of Amendments to UTGR and Newport Grand Master |
Contracts -- Definitions. For the purposes of this act, the following terms shall have the following |
meanings, and to the extent that such terms are defined in Chapter 16 of the Public Laws of 2010, |
as amended, those terms are hereby amended as follows: |
(a) "Newport Grand" when it is referring to a legal entity, means Premier Entertainment |
II. LLC and its permitted successors and assigns under the Newport Grand Master Contract. |
''Newport Grand," when it is referring to a gaming facility, means Newport Grand Slots, located |
at 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode Island, unless and until state-operated video- |
lottery games are no longer offered at such facility in Newport and state-operated video-lottery |
games and table games are offered at a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton located in |
Tiverton, Rhode Island, at which time ''Newport Grand" shall mean such Tiverton facility. |
(b) "Newport Grand facility" means the gaming and entertainment facility located at 150 |
Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode Island; provided however, once video lottery games are |
no longer offered at the facility in Newport and video-lottery games are offered at the gaming and |
entertainment facility of Twin River-Tiverton located in the town of Tiverton, all references to |
''Newport Grand facility" shall refer to such Tiverton facility. |
(c) "Twin River-Tiverton" means Twin River-Tiverton LLC, a Delaware Limited |
Liability Company, being the successor to Newport Grand, LLC under the Newport Grand |
Master Contract. References herein to "Twin River-Tiverton" shall include its permitted |
successors and assigns under the Newport Grand Master Contract. |
SECTION 9 Authorization of Amendments to UTGR and Newport Grand Master |
Contracts -- Incorporation of Prior Terms. -- Unless otherwise stated herein, and except to the |
extent amended by this act, all definitions, conditions, provisions, and terms used in Chapter 16 |
of the public laws of 2010, entitled "An Act Relating to Authorizing the First Amendments to the |
Master Video Lottery Terminal Contracts", as amended, are hereby incorporated herein by |
reference and shall remain in full force and effect. |
SECTION 10. Authorized Procurement of Fifth Amendment to the Newport Grand |
Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract.- Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public |
laws or regulations adopted thereunder to the contrary, the division of state lottery is hereby |
expressly authorized and directed to enter into with Newport Grand (which, by definition, |
includes an assignee pursuant to an assignment effected pursuant to the Newport Grand Master |
Video Lottery Contract) a Fifth Amendment to the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery |
Terminal Contract for the following purposes and containing the following terms and conditions, |
all of which shall be set forth in more particular detail in the Fifth Amendment: |
(a) All references to the facility located 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, Rhode |
Island shall refer to that facility until video-lottery games are no longer offered there and video- |
lottery games are offered at a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, located in the town of |
Tiverton, at which time they shall refer to such Tiverton facility. |
(b) Section 2.3 of the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract shall be |
amended to grant the licensed video-lottery retailer that is a party to such contract the option to |
extend the term of such contract for two (2) additional terms of five (5) years each (the |
"Extension Terms"). The first of the new Extension Terms shall commence on November 23, |
2020, and continue until November 22, 2025, and the second of the Extension Terms shall |
commence on November 23, 2025 and continue until November 22, 2030. The exercise of the |
option to extend for each of the Extension Terms shall be subject to the terms and conditions of |
Section 2.3 of the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract. |
(c) A new section shall be added to the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal |
Contract to provide that, beginning on the date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by |
Twin-River Tiverton, LLC offers patrons video-lottery games and table games, the licensed |
video-lottery retailer that is a party to the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery Contract shall be |
entitled to receive eighty-three and one-half percent (83.5%) of the net, table-game revenue |
generated at the facility defined herein as "Newport Grand." |
(d) A new section shall be added to the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal |
Contract to provide that, beginning on the date that the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River- |
Tiverton offers patrons video-lottery games and table games, the town of Tiverton shall be |
entitled to receive: (1) One and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income |
from authorized video-lottery terminals at such facility; and (2) One percent (1%) of the net, |
table-game revenue generated at such facility; provided however, that beginning with the first |
state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video-lottery games and table games for |
all of such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year, and each subsequent state fiscal year that |
such Tiverton facility offers patrons video-lottery games and table games for all of such state |
fiscal year, if the town of Tiverton has not received an aggregate of three million dollars |
($3,000,000) in the state fiscal year from net, table-game revenues and net terminal income, |
combined, generated by such Tiverton facility, then the state shall make up such shortfall to the |
town of Tiverton out of the state's percentage of net, table-game revenue and net terminal income |
(so that the town of Tiverton receives, after accounting for the state make up of such shortfall, an |
aggregate of three million dollars ($3,000,000) from net, table-game revenues and net terminal |
income, combined, with respect to such state fiscal year); provided further, however, if in any |
state fiscal year either video-lottery games or table games are no longer offered at such Tiverton |
facility, then the state shall not be obligated to make up the shortfall referenced in this section. |
The town of Tiverton shall be a signatory to the amended Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery |
Terminal Contract with regard to this new section. |
(e) A new section shall be added to the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal |
Contract to provide that, after the date that video-lottery games and table games are offered to |
patrons at the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, if the Newport Grand Master |
Video-Lottery Terminal Contract expires or otherwise terminates for any reason prior to the day |
that would have been the last day of the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract |
had all extension options been exercised and said extension terms continued until their natural |
expiration (the "Last Possible Day of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal |
Contract"), then, notwithstanding such expiration or termination of the Newport Grand Master |
Video-Lottery Terminal Contract, provided video lottery games and table games continue to be |
offered at that Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, until the end of such Last |
Possible Day of the Newport Grand Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract, the percentage of |
net terminal income and the percentage of net, table-game revenue allocated to the town of |
Tiverton shall continue to be the same percentage in each case, and shall continue to be subject to |
the same three million dollar ($3,000,000) minimum annual guarantee, as set forth in the Newport |
Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract, as amended by this Section 10. If video-lottery |
games and table games are not both offered at that Tiverton facility owned by Twin River- |
Tiverton, the aforementioned three million dollar ($3,000,000) annual guarantee to the town of |
Tiverton shall no longer apply. Without affecting other provisions of the Newport Grand Master |
Video Lottery Terminal Contract that continue in effect notwithstanding the expiration or earlier |
termination thereof, the state and the town of Tiverton agree that this provision of the Newport |
Grand Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract amendment shall continue in effect |
notwithstanding the expiration or earlier termination of the Newport Grand Master Video-Lottery |
Terminal Contract. The town of Tiverton shall be a signatory to the amended Newport Grand |
Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract with regard to this new section. |
SECTION 11. Authorized Procurement of Fifth Amendment to the UTGR Master Video- |
Lottery Terminal Contract.-- Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws or |
regulations adopted thereunder to the contrary, the division of state lottery is hereby expressly |
authorized and directed to enter into with UTGR a Fifth Amendment to the UTGR Master Video- |
Lottery Terminal Contract for the following purposes and containing the following terms and |
conditions, all of which shall be set forth in more particular detail in the Fifth Amendment: |
(a) Section 2.5 of the UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract, shall be further |
amended to grant UTGR the option to extend the term of the UTGR Master Video-Lottery |
Terminal Contract for two (2) additional terms of five (5) years each (the "Extension Terms"). |
The first of the two (2) Extension Terms shall commence on July 18, 2020, and continue until |
July 17, 2025, and the second of the new Extension Terms shall commence on July 18, 2025, and |
continue until July 17, 2030. The exercise of the option to extend for each of the Extension Terms |
shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.5 of the UTGR Master Video-Lottery |
Terminal Contract. |
(b) A new section shall be added to the UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract |
to provide as follows: Beginning on the date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by |
Twin River-Tiverton, LLC offers patrons video-lottery games and table games, UTGR shall be |
entitled to receive eighty-three and one-half percent (83.5%) of the net, table-game revenue |
generated at the Lincoln facility. |
(c) A new section shall be added to the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract |
to provide that the town of Lincoln shall be entitled to receive: |
(1) One and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income from |
authorized machines at Twin River located in the town of Lincoln; and |
(2) That, beginning on the date that a facility in the town of Tiverton owned by Twin |
River-Tiverton, LLC offers patrons video lottery games and table games, one percent (1%) of the |
net, table-game revenue generated at Twin River in the town of Lincoln; provided however, that |
beginning with the first state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video-lottery |
games and table games for all of such state fiscal year, for that state fiscal year and each |
subsequent state fiscal year that such Tiverton facility offers patrons video-lottery games and |
table games for all of such state fiscal year, if the town of Lincoln has not received an aggregate |
of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the state fiscal year from net, table-game revenues and net |
terminal income, combined, generated by the Twin River facility in the town of Lincoln, then the |
state shall make up such shortfall to the town of Lincoln out of the state's percentage of net, table- |
game revenue and net terminal income (so that the town of Lincoln receives, after accounting for |
the state make-up of such shortfall, an aggregate of three million dollars ($3,000,000) from net, |
table-game revenues and net terminal income, combined, with respect to such state fiscal year); |
provided further however, if in any state fiscal year either video-lottery games or table games are |
no longer offered at the Tiverton facility, then the state shall not be obligated to make up the |
shortfall referenced in this section to the town of Lincoln. The town of Lincoln shall be a |
signatory to the amended UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract with regard to this new |
section. |
(d) A new section shall be added to the UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract |
to provide that, after the date that video lottery games and table games are offered to patrons at |
the Tiverton facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, if the UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal |
Contract expires or otherwise terminates for any reason prior to the day that would have been the |
last day of the UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract had all extension options been |
exercised and said extension terms continued until their natural expiration (the "Last Possible Day |
of the UTGR Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract"), then, notwithstanding such expiration or |
termination of the UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract, provided: (1) Video-lottery |
games and table games continue to be offered at the Twin River facility owned by UTGR; and (2) |
Video-lottery games and table games continue to be offered at the Tiverton facility owned by |
Twin River-Tiverton, until the end of such Last Possible Day of the UTGR Master Video-Lottery |
Terminal Contract, the percentage of net terminal income and the percentage of net, table-game |
revenue allocated to the town of Lincoln shall continue to be the same percentage in each case, |
and shall continue to be subject to the same three million dollar ($3,000,000) minimum annual |
guarantee, as set forth in the UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract, as amended by this |
Section 11. If either of the aforementioned conditions (1) and (2) (or both) of this section no |
longer applies, the aforementioned three million dollar ($3,000,000) minimum annual guarantee |
to the town of Lincoln shall no longer apply. Without affecting other provisions of the UTGR |
Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract that continue in effect notwithstanding the expiration or |
earlier termination thereof, the state and the town of Lincoln agree that this provision of the |
UTGR Master Video-Lottery Terminal Contract amendment shall continue in effect |
notwithstanding the expiration or earlier termination of the UTGR Master Video-Lottery |
Terminal Contract. The town of Lincoln shall be a signatory to the amended UTGR Master |
Video-Lottery Terminal Contract with regard to this new section. |
SECTION 12. Section 41-9-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 41-9 entitled |
"Establishment and Extension of Gambling Activities and Other Facilities" is hereby amended to |
read as follows: |
41-9-4. Town and state election on establishment of facility. -- (a) Before a gambling |
facility shall be established in any town or city, the town council of the town or the city council of |
the city shall comply with the following procedure: |
(1) Upon receipt of a resolution from the town council of the town or the city council of |
the city, for a referendum to establish a gambling facility and/or activity, the general assembly |
shall determine, by passage of an act, whether to allow a referendum on the establishment of the |
gambling facility and/or activity. |
(2) Upon passage of an act to allow a single referendum which shall be considered both a |
statewide and a local referendum in accordance with Section 22 of Article 6 of the Constitution of |
Rhode Island for the establishment of the gambling facility and/or activity, at the next general |
election there shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the state, the following question: |
"Shall a gambling facility and/or activity be established in the town (or city) of |
__________________?" |
(b) The question shall be submitted by the secretary of state to the qualified electors of |
the state at the same general election and the secretary of state shall certify the statewide election |
results, and the local board of canvassers of the city or town where the establishment of a |
gambling facility or activity is proposed, is authorized and directed to certify the local election |
results of the electors voting in the city or town on the referendum question, to the secretary of |
state. |
(c) The affirmative vote of the subject town or city and the electors of the state shall be |
necessary for the approval of the question, and if consent be thus given, all rules and regulations |
shall be promulgated in accordance with the authority conferred upon the general assembly in R.I. |
Const., Art. VI, Sec. XV. |
(2) Upon passage of an act to allow a referendum for the establishment of the gambling |
facility and/or activity, the town council of the town or the city council of the city shall pose, by |
adopting a resolution to be placed on the ballot at the next general election to be submitted to the |
qualified electors of the town or city and to the qualified electors of the state, the following |
question: "Shall a gambling facility and/or activity be established in the town (or city) of |
___________ ?" |
(b) The question shall be submitted by the local board of canvassers to the electors of the |
town or city where the facility or activity is to be located, and the results of the election shall be |
certified to the secretary of state. |
(c) The question shall be submitted by the secretary of state to the qualified electors of |
the state at the same general election and the secretary of state shall certify the election results. |
(d) The affirmative vote of the subject town or city and the electors of the state shall be |
necessary for the approval of the question, and if consent be thus given, all rules and regulations |
shall be promulgated in accordance with the authority conferred upon the general assembly in R.I. |
Const., Art. VI, Sec. XV. |
SECTION 13. This Section 13, and Sections 5, 6 and 12 of this act shall take effect upon |
passage of the act. All other sections of this act shall take effect immediately upon, but only if, |
the requirements of R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XXII are met, namely: |
(i) The certification by the secretary of state that the qualified voters of the state have |
approved authorizing a facility owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and located at the |
intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be |
licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and offer state-operated, video-lottery games and state-operated |
casino gaming, such as table games; and |
(ii) The certification by (including on behalf of) the board of canvassers of the town of |
Tiverton that qualified electors of the town of Tiverton have approved authorizing a facility |
owned by Twin River-Tiverton, LLC and located at the intersection of William S. Canning |
Boulevard and Stafford Road in the town of Tiverton to be licensed as a pari-mutuel facility and |
offer state-operated, video-lottery games and state-operated casino gaming, such as table games. |
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LC003782/SUB A |
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