1994-07-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 4818
SB 370                                                                       
Message of June 9 was received, stating:                                       
                                                                               
Dear Mr. President:                                                            
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. II, sec. 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I         
have vetoed the following bill:                                                
                                                                               
HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 370                                       
(JUD)                                                                          
"An Act providing an exemption from gambling                                  
laws for gambling conducted by cruise ships for                                
their ticketed passengers in the offshore water of the                         
state; relating to promotions on board cruise ships;                           
defining `cruise ship'; providing for exemption                                
procedures for certain cruise ships before they can                            
conduct gambling in the offshore water of the state;                           
and providing for an effective date."                                          
                                                                               
This bill would have done two things: upon payment of an                       
exemption fee to the state, large cruise ships operating interstate            
could have provided gambling entertainment for ticketed passengers             
outside ports, and on board promotions of onshore businesses would             
have been required to disclose whether the business had paid a fee             
for mention in the promotion.                                                  
                                                                               
                                                                               

1994-07-15                     Senate Journal                      Page 4819
SB 370                                                                       
I do not support gambling.  In my view, it is not a socially                   
productive activity, and it may have a devastating effect on the               
fabric and finances of the families of those who gamble                        
compulsively.  I have consistently supported the strengthening of              
Alaska's current charitable gaming laws, to require accountability             
among operators and a guaranteed minimum return to the charities.              
I am not in favor of increasing the level of gambling within the state         
under any circumstances.                                                       
                                                                               
I also believe the disclosure requirement for on board promotions,             
which is intended to provide relevant information and thereby                  
promote informed decision-making by the cruise ship passenger, will            
enhance the reputation and credibility of our tourism industry.                
However, because of my serious concerns about the gambling portion             
of this bill, I must veto the bill in its entirety.                            
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Walter J. Hickel                                                         
						Governor