02/08/1995 01:30 PM Senate JUD

 SJUD - 2/8/95                                                                 
                                                                               
            SB  60 CRUISE SHIP GAMBLING & PROMOTIONS                          
                                                                              
  SENATOR BERT SHARP , sponsor, informed committee members that an             
 identical bill passed the Legislature in 1994 but was vetoed by the           
 previous Governor.  SB 60 accommodates the concerns that arose and            
 were approved during the committee process.  SB 60 authorizes the             
 Department of Commerce and Economic Development to offer an                   
 exemption for cruise ships which would allow the continuation of              
 shipboard casino operations while in Alaskan waters.  Casino                  
 gambling on cruise ships is a worldwide accepted practice.  Casino            
 operations would not be allowed while the ship is in port or within           
 3 miles of a port of call.  By allowing gambling activities on                
 state waters, the state would benefit from the collection of                  
 exemption fees, ranging from $7,500 to $40,000 per ship (depending            
 on passenger size).  Casino gambling has no impact on Alaskan                 
 communities as only ticketed passengers are allowed on board while            
 the casinos are in operation.  In the interest of maintaining world           
 class cruise amenities on board Alaska destination cruises, Senator           
 Sharp urged the committee's support of SB 60.                                 
                                                                               
 Number 44                                                                     
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS asked what the Administration's position is on SB 60.           
 SENATOR SHARP understood this Administration to be more friendly to           
 SB 60 than the past Administration.                                           
                                                                               
 Number 65                                                                     
                                                                               
 SENATOR ADAMS made a motion to move SB 60 out of committee with               
 individual recommendations.  Without objection, the motion passed.