Analysis

Topic: Bowling Card Game
SPONSOR: David Jaye
HOUSE/SENATE COMMITTEE: H. Regulatory Affairs/ S. Gaming and Casino Oversight

The bill would amend the Michigan Penal Code to provide that Chapter 44 of the code, which regulates gambling, does not apply to a bowling game or bowling card game. Public Act 539 of 1996 legalized certain bowling games conducted in a bowling center, such as mystery game, strike ball and red pin. The current law allows a participation fee of $5.00 or less with a total prize payout per games not to exceed 1,000.00

This bill would exempt a "bowling card game" from the Michigan Penal code's prohibition on gambling. Typically a "bowling card game" is played among members of a team or two teams sharing the same pair of lanes. The ante is usually .25 cent to $1.00. Every time you get a strike you get a card. Who ever has the best poker hand at the end of each game wins the pot. The "bowling card game" would be subject to the same limitation on participation fees and prize payout as bowling games.

The House version states that the prize payout would not exceed the $1,000 while the Senate version amends this section by adding and comprised only of participation fee.

The other amendment that the Senate made was to the definition of what a "bowling card game does not include, which is mechanical or electronic simulation of a bowling card game, roulette, beano, cards unless used in a bowling card game, dice, wheels of fortune, etc. Apparently, some of the new bowling center equipment has the ability to incorporate some type of video gaming associated with bowling so it was important that it was specifically spelled out that this is not in any way to be used with that. After the amendment the Liquor Control Commission supports the bill. The Bowling Centers of Michigan also supports the bill.