Committee advances bill to require more gaming to be confined to ‘designated areas’; members raise small-town concerns

The House Judiciary Committee voted 7-6 to recommend Senate Bill 2373 for passage, advancing a proposal to expand the types of games that must be kept in a designated gaming area at licensed establishments. The bill would explicitly add paper pull tabs, punch boards, paddle wheels, 21 (blackjack), poker and sports pools to the list of games that must be located in a designated area, in addition to electronic pull tabs.

Committee members who supported the bill described it as a “cleanup” to group similar games together and to clarify that alcoholic beverages must be dispensed by employees of an alcoholic beverage establishment. Members who opposed it said the change could impose new requirements on small bingo halls and rural establishments where game machines are part of normal family dining and fundraising activities.

Representative Olson moved a do-pass recommendation; a second was recorded. Speakers raised several implementation questions: whether the requirement would force new bingo halls to obtain liquor licenses if they wanted additional games; whether a loosely defined “designated area” (taped lines or a corner of the room) would be sufficient; and whether the prohibition on self-serve beverage setups would unexpectedly penalize existing local practices in some towns. Committee members noted that the bill appears to grandfather operations that existed on January 1, 2025, while applying the updated definitions to new establishments.

After debate the clerk called the roll; the motion carried 7-6 with one member absent. Committee members asked for a bill carrier to present the measure on the floor when it is scheduled.