March 5, 2009 |
2009-R-0142 | |
QUESTIONS FOR GAMING POLICY BOARD NOMINEE | ||
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By: Veronica Rose, Principal Analyst | ||
• The board consists of five members who serve staggered four-year terms. No more than three may be members of the same political party. At least four must be trained or have experience in corporate finance, economics, law, accounting, law enforcement, computer science, or the pari-mutuel industry. At least two of the fields must be on the board at any one time. Board members must not participate actively in political campaigning.
• The governor appoints.
• Both houses confirm following the procedure for confirming department heads.
• The board approves, suspends, or revokes gaming licenses; approves off-track betting facility contracts; sets racing and jai alai meeting dates; approves types of pari-mutuel bets, imposes fines; and advises the governor on statewide plans and goals for legalized gambling (CGS §§ 12-557d and 12-557e).
1. What is the ideal relationship between the Gaming Policy Board and the Division of Special Revenue and the Connecticut Lottery Corporation?
2. What issues or trends are most likely to dominate the gambling industry in the next few years? What are the implications for Connecticut?
3. Despite legal and security issues, gambling has come to the Internet. What questions should the legislature be asking about Internet gambling and its implications for Connecticut? What are the most useful initiatives the legislature should pursue with regard to Internet gambling?
4. What impact do you anticipate the economic recession will have on gambling revenue? What is the best approach for policy makers to take with regard to gambling at this time?
5. Some people have long argued for a constitutional amendment declaring the state's anti-gambling policy. Others view this policy as outdated. What do you consider an appropriate state gambling policy?
6. Several recent highly publicized reports of theft to feed a gambling habit have put the focus on compulsive gambling. How best can the state increase gambling revenue while minimizing the direct and indirect costs of gambling?
7. Legalized gambling represents one of the fastest growing sectors in the entertainment business nationwide. Do you believe that the board has the appropriate tools or sufficient authority to respond to this growth? What tools are appropriate? What state response is appropriate?
8. Are there any changes you would recommend to the legislature with regard to the board's mission or functions?
VR: ts