North Dakota Considers Shutting Down Gaming Commission
A proposed bill in North Dakota is stirring debate over how gambling should be regulated in the state. Senate Bill 2224 aims to dissolve the North Dakota Gaming Commission and transfer all regulatory authority to the Attorney General’s office.
What Senate Bill 2224 Proposes
The bill, which recently cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 4-3 vote, aims to remove the Gaming Commission entirely. The Attorney General’s office would assume full control over gambling regulation, a shift supporters believe will cut unnecessary delays.
Deb McDaniel, Director of Charitable Gaming, argued that this move would reduce bureaucracy without overloading the Attorney General’s office. She noted that vacant seats on the Gaming Commission have caused approval delays for new regulations, making oversight less efficient.
Industry Concerns Over Power Shift
Not everyone agrees with the plan. Scott Meske, a lobbyist for the North Dakota Gaming Alliance, raised concerns about concentrating power in one office.
He argued that eliminating the Gaming Commission would weaken checks and balances, setting a dangerous precedent for future regulation.
Opponents also worry about diminished industry input in decision-making. The current system allows the Gaming Commission to review and discuss regulatory changes, adding an extra layer of oversight.
Without it, all gambling decisions would fall directly under the Attorney General.
Even if lawmakers disband the Gaming Commission, new gambling rules would still require approval from the Administrative Rules Committee. Public and industry stakeholders would also have opportunities to provide input on regulations.
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