Senate committee votes on bill restricting gaming for local charities

The Senate Judiciary Committee of the North Dakota State Legislature convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss legislative matters concerning gaming regulations. The meeting, which lasted from 10:53 AM to 11:49 AM, focused primarily on Bill 1416, which addresses the conduct of gaming activities in rural areas.

The session began with a review of the ongoing disagreements between stakeholders regarding the bill. Several committee members expressed their concerns about the implications of the current law, which restricts certain charitable organizations from conducting raffles and other gaming activities. Senator Paulson articulated his conflict over the bill, highlighting the challenges faced by small communities that rely on gaming for fundraising. He noted that while some areas have only one gaming facility, others are eager to participate in charitable events, such as raffles for local causes.

Senator Bridal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for local solutions to the issues at hand. He suggested that communities could negotiate arrangements to allow for temporary gaming activities, such as bingo, without violating existing laws. He proposed a motion for a "do not pass" on Bill 1416, which was seconded by Senator Lueck.

Further discussion ensued, with Senator Castaneda supporting Senator Bridal's motion. He pointed out that local governance should play a significant role in determining gaming regulations and that there should be flexibility for charitable organizations to collaborate with gaming facilities. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between the interests of large gaming entities and local charities.

The committee ultimately engaged in a thorough examination of the bill's potential impact on rural communities and the need for a collaborative approach to gaming regulations. The discussions highlighted the complexities of balancing local needs with state laws governing gaming activities.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members recognized the necessity for further dialogue and potential amendments to the bill to better serve the interests of all parties involved. The next steps will involve continued discussions to explore viable solutions that accommodate both gaming facilities and charitable organizations in North Dakota.