This measure would authorize licensed non-tribal gambling establishments to operate the same type and number of machines as tribal governments, with a portion of tax revenue generated used to reduce state property taxes.

Should this measure be enacted into law?^[3]

Assumptions for Analysis of I-892

• Initiative 892 would task the state Lottery Commission with creating a statewide system and infrastructure for conducting centralized electronic scratch ticket games.
• The Lottery Commission would issue a license to sell or distribute electronic scratch tickets to licensed non-tribal gambling establishments licensed by the state Gambling Commission or the state Horse Racing Commission and subject to their oversight and enforcement. Licensed non-tribal gambling establishments include nonprofit charities, restaurants, taverns, bowling alleys, horse racing facilities, and state-regulated, licensed Phase II house-banked card rooms.
• Establishments other than these cannot be licensed for electronic scratch ticket terminals. Electronic scratch ticket terminal licenses could not be issued to agents registered to sell lottery tickets in venues such as convenience stores or other locations readily accessible to minors.
• Licensed non-tribal gambling establishments would be allocated the same type and number of electronic scratch ticket machines, up to a total of 18,225 machines that may operate under compacts with the state.
• Prizes would not be less than 75 percent of the gross annual revenue from electronic scratch ticket games.
• The measure would impose a 35 percent tax on the net win from electronic scratch ticket machines operated by licensed non-tribal gambling establishments. Licensees would keep 65 percent of the net win.
• Proceeds from the state tax would be deposited in the Electronic Scratch Ticket Account. The Lottery Commission would fund administration of the electronic scratch ticket games, central computer, accounting and auditing systems, from the account.
• After deduction of the Lottery Commission’s expenses for operating the system, 99 percent of the proceeds of the state tax would be deposited in the Equal Treatment Equals Lower Property Taxes Account. All revenues in the account must be used to reduce the subsequent year’s state property tax levy.
• The state property tax levy in 2007 and each subsequent year would be reduced from the amount that otherwise would have been levied by an amount equal to the previous year’s deposit in the Equal Treatment Equals Lower Property Taxes Account.
• The remaining one percent of the amount in the Electronic Scratch Ticket Account would be dedicated for distribution to a contractor that will address problem gambling issues.
• The fiscal analysis assumes that 500 new scratch ticket terminals could be in place by January 2006. Total deployed terminals would rise to 13,100 by July 2006 and to 18,225 by January 2007.
• Expected net revenue per machine is assumed to be about $112 per operating day.^[3]

That six-fold increase is obscene and unsustainable. Property taxes will continue skyrocketing unless voters say “enough.” I-892 substantially lowers property taxes for citizens without costing government a penny. It’s a win-win revenue-neutral tax cutting initiative. Washington is the 7th highest taxed state in the nation (www.taxfoundation.org) – I-892 keeps us from hitting #1.

WORKING CLASS FOLKS, ESPECIALLY STRUGGLING FIXED-INCOME SENIOR CITIZENS, SHOULDN’T BE TAXED OUT OF THEIR HOMES

I-892 imposes a 35% user fee on electronic scratch ticket machines, using these new revenues – $400 million per year – to substantially lower property taxes. Currently, these machines aren’t taxed. I-892 allows existing non-tribal establishments to compete with the tribes (who don’t pay taxes), levels the playing field, and substantially lowers property taxes without costing government a penny.

THESE STATE-REGULATED, LICENSED, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED TAXPAYING BUSINESSES AND NON-PROFITS SIMPLY WANT TO COMPETE

Opponents’ main objection is I-892 “expands gambling.” Wrong. I-892 only allows existing non-tribal establishments (not grocery stores or 7-Elevens – only gambling licensees with 21 and older customers) to compete with the tribes who already offer these same machines. So I-892 authorizes nothing new – it just gives the fixed number of people who play these machines a different place to go. I-892 doesn’t “take away” from the tribes – it only requires them to compete.

“JUST TREAT US THE SAME” I-892 ADVOCATES A PRINCIPLE WE ALL BELIEVE IN: EQUAL TREATMENT

Government shouldn’t discriminate or give preferential treatment to citizens based on their group affiliation. I-892 requires equal treatment of non-tribal and tribal establishments. That’s fair. I-892 provides permanent funding, which doesn’t exist now, for problem gambling. I-892 is a balanced, reasonable proposal which allows competition, levels the playing field, and substantially lowers property taxes ($400 million annually) without costing government a penny. Politicians never reduce taxes. Vote “Yes.”

Rebuttal of Statement Against

Skyrocketing property taxes are obscene and unsustainable – I-892 provides long-overdue relief. Opponents have no alternative. They’re only offering threats, lies, and scare tactics. I-892 substantially lowers property taxes ($400 million annually) without costing government a penny – it’s revenue-neutral. Tribes are spending multi-millions from their government-protected monopoly to maintain their unfair advantage. I-892 means equal treatment, competition, and a more level playing field. I-892 provides permanent funding for problem gambling. Politicians never reduce taxes. Vote “Yes.”^[3]

ELECTRONIC SCRATCH TICKET MACHINES ARE REALLY ELECTRONIC SLOT MACHINES

The ballot title says “electronic scratch ticket machines,” but don’t be deceived. I-892 legalizes Las Vegas-style electronic slot machines.

I-892 would allow 18,000 new slot machines in 2,000 neighborhood restaurants, bowling alleys, bingo halls, card rooms and other establishments.

I-892 WOULD BRING ELECTRONIC SLOT MACHINES INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND WOULD HURT SMALL BUSINESSES

Las Vegas-style gambling would be allowed near schools, malls, libraries, churches and other areas where children gather.

Cities that ban most gambling could find their laws over-ridden and slot machines in their neighborhood establishments.

Gambling hurts small businesses when consumers spend money at casinos instead of at neighborhood shops and restaurants.

ELECTRONIC SLOT MACHINES HURT KIDS AND FAMILIES

Kids pay the consequences when parents suffer from gambling addictions.

Experts say that expanding gambling opportunities increases the number of problem gamblers.

Domestic violence, child neglect, divorce, theft, and substance abuse are strongly associated with problem gambling.

I-892 PROFITS OUT-OF-STATE GAMBLING COMPANIES, BUT IT WOULD COST WASHINGTON TAXPAYERS MILLIONS

Foreign and out-of-state gambling corporations are promoting I-892 and would reap huge profits.

Taxpayers would foot the bill for the millions associated with increased crime, bankruptcies, and treatment of gambling addictions.

We already have more than enough gambling opportunities in Washington. It’s time to say “no” to the big gambling interests. Our quality of life is at stake.

I-892 is a bad bet for Washington. It’s bad for kids, bad for families, bad for neighborhoods, bad for taxpayers, bad for small businesses. Vote no on I-892.For further information, call 877.257.9156 or visit www.freedomvoters.org.

Rebuttal of Argument For

I-892 is built on deception. It says “electronic scratch ticket machines,” but it means slot machines in neighborhoods.

Gambling always over-promises and under-delivers. Remember - the Lottery was supposed to pay for education?

I-892 claims that taxpayers will save, but sends most of the profits out-of-state. The gambling companies take a 65% profit, while the problems stay here. After administration and problem gambling costs, who knows what will be left for a tax cut?^[3]

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