Gambling Control Board approves multiple license and funding items, denies two transfer requests

The Gambling Control Board on April 20 approved a series of license renewals, capital and manufacturer requests and several transfers of gambling-related funds, and denied two transfer requests after discussion.

The board approved the agenda and the March 16 minutes, then moved through a set of exhibits. Exhibit A (transfer of gambling funds to an organizational account) was moved and approved by voice vote. Later, the board considered Exhibit B, which carried a staff recommendation of denial; after discussion the board voted to deny that transfer.

Assistant Attorney General Leah Hedman told the board that "the board packets are publicly available to anyone who makes a request," and said the agency operates under open-meetings transparency requirements. Hedman's comment came during discussion of Exhibit B when members asked whether explanatory documents included in the packet were available to the public.

The board also approved Exhibit C (property and capital asset requests), Exhibit I (exclusive use for LPE), and Exhibit K (contribution of gambling funds to another licensed gambling organization). Exhibit M (profit carryover adjustment) and a set of manufacturer-related items were approved. Exhibit N, which carried a recommendation of denial, was moved, seconded and denied by voice vote.

A package of distributor and other license renewals listed as Exhibit U was moved and approved after brief discussion; regulation manager Steve Peterson described the renewal process as "a little more simplified," saying renewals require updated personnel information and background checks that are generally less intensive "unless we have a particular reason to do so." The board approved the distributor renewal and other renewal motions by voice vote.

The meeting concluded with an announcement that the next board meeting will be Monday, May 18, in Roseville, and the board adjourned.