PA 12-160—sHB 5095

Public Safety and Security Committee

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING OFF-TRACK BETTING BRANCH FACILITIES

SUMMARY: This act increases the number of off-track betting (OTB) facilities that may operate as simulcasting facilities (i. e. , televise OTB programs), from 15 to all 18 of the currently authorized OTB facilities.

The act does not specify the location of the three additional facilities. The law specifies the location of the 15 existing simulcasting facilities as follows: Bridgeport, Bristol, East Haven, Hartford, Manchester, Milford, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Putnam, Torrington, Waterbury, Windham, and Windsor Locks.

The act also makes a technical change.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

BACKGROUND

OTB Facilities

Simulcasting facilities are OTB facilities authorized by law to (1) provide live television coverage of OTB programs and jai alai games and (2) have restaurants, concessions, and other amenities.

By law, the location of OTB facilities and the addition of simulcasting capability are subject to (1) approval by the Department of Consumer Protection commissioner, with the Gaming Policy Board's consent, and (2) prior approval of the host town.

OLR Tracking: VR: ND: PF: ro