An Act to Support Nonprofit Organizations by Authorizing the Operation of Electronic Lucky Seven Devices and Similar Sealed Ticket Games

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132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
FIRST SPECIAL SESSION-2025
Legislative Document No. 1902
S.P. 742 In Senate, May 5, 2025
An Act to Support Nonprofit Organizations by Authorizing the
Operation of Electronic Lucky Seven Devices and Similar Sealed
Ticket Games
Received by the Secretary of the Senate on May 1, 2025. Referred to the Committee on
Veterans and Legal Affairs pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec.
Cosponsored by Representative CHAPMAN of Auburn and
Senator: President DAUGHTRY of Cumberland, Representatives: FAULKINGHAM of
Winter Harbor, SUPICA of Bangor.

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1Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
2Sec. 1. 17 MRSA §324-A, sub-§2, ¶C, as amended by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJ,
3 §25, is further amended to read:
4 C. Lucky seven or similar sealed tickets may be sold when that game of chance is
5 registered with the Gambling Control Unit and when a valid license or registration
6 certificate is properly displayed. Notwithstanding the other provisions any provision
7 of this section and section 312 to the contrary, lucky seven games may be conducted
8 during the period beginning 2 hours before and ending 2 hours after a "beano" game at
9 any time as authorized by the registration issued under section 1832.
10 Notwithstanding any other rule to the contrary, lucky seven or other similar sealed
11 tickets may be sold that have a sale value of $1 or less, and a person who sells or
12 distributes "beano" cards or materials used to play "beano" prior to the conduct of
13 "beano" as a volunteer, as provided in this section, is permitted to play in the "beano"
14 game.
15Sec. 2. 17 MRSA §324-A, sub-§2, ¶D is enacted to read:
16 D. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, electronic lucky seven
17 devices may be operated in accordance with section 1835-C. For purposes of this
18 section, "electronic lucky seven device" has the same meaning as in section 1831,
19 subsection 3-A.
20Sec. 3. 17 MRSA §1831, sub-§3-A is enacted to read:
213-A. Electronic lucky seven device. "Electronic lucky seven device" means a
22 mechanical or electrical device or machine that, upon the insertion of money, credit, a
23 voucher or something of value, displays virtual lucky seven or similar sealed tickets. The
24 element of chance must be provided by the virtual lucky seven or similar sealed ticket and
25 not by the electronic lucky seven device. An electronic lucky seven device may only issue
26 to a player a printed voucher for any prize, including a monetary prize, or single set of
27 prizes won by that player that can be redeemed at a redemption kiosk. The electronic lucky
28 seven device may not dispense cash to a player. "Electronic lucky seven device" does not
29 include a dispenser as defined in section 314-A, subsection 1-A.
30Sec. 4. 17 MRSA §1831, sub-§3-B is enacted to read:
313-B. Electronic lucky seven device distributor. "Electronic lucky seven device
32 distributor" means a person, firm, corporation, association or organization that sells, leases
33 or otherwise distributes electronic lucky seven devices.
34Sec. 5. 17 MRSA §1831, sub-§8-A is enacted to read:
358-A. Lucky seven or similar sealed ticket. "Lucky seven or similar sealed ticket"
36 means a ticket or card with preprinted symbols, numbers or other figures that are hidden
37 by an opaque, removable material. Each ticket or card represents a chance to win a specific
38 single prize, including a monetary prize, or a specific single set of prizes. A winning ticket
39 or card contains a predetermined winning configuration of symbols, numbers or other
40 figures. "Lucky seven or similar sealed ticket" does not include a lottery ticket under Title
41 8, chapter 14-A or Title 8, chapter 16.
42Sec. 6. 17 MRSA §1831, sub-§8-B is enacted to read:
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18-B. Lucky seven or similar sealed ticket deal. "Lucky seven or similar sealed ticket
2 deal" means each separate package or series of packages of lucky seven or similar sealed
3 tickets, including virtual lucky seven or similar sealed tickets, consisting of one lucky seven
4 or similar sealed ticket game with a unique serial number.
5Sec. 7. 17 MRSA §1831, sub-§8-C is enacted to read:
68-C. Lucky seven or similar sealed ticket game. "Lucky seven or similar sealed
7 ticket game" means one or more lucky seven or similar sealed ticket deals with a unique
8 name and theme.
9Sec. 8. 17 MRSA §1831, sub-§19 is enacted to read:
1019. Virtual lucky seven or similar sealed ticket. "Virtual lucky seven or similar
11 sealed ticket" means a virtual representation of a lucky seven or similar sealed ticket
12 displayed to a player using an electronic lucky seven device.
13Sec. 9. 17 MRSA §1832, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2023, c. 391, §3, is further
14 amended to read:
153. Must be 18 years of age. The Gambling Control Unit may not accept a registration
16 to conduct a game night, a game of chance, a raffle or certain tournament games or accept
17 an application from or issue a license for electronic lucky seven devices, card games and
18 certain tournament games under this section to a person or representative of an eligible
19 organization or committee who is not 18 years of age or older.
20Sec. 10. 17 MRSA §1832, sub-§9 is enacted to read:
219. Electronic lucky seven device licenses; applications. The following provisions
22 apply to the licensing of operators of electronic lucky seven devices.
23 A. The Gambling Control Unit may issue a license to operate electronic lucky seven
24 devices to any eligible organization described in subsection 2.
25 B. An eligible organization described in subsection 2 shall submit an application in a
26 form provided by the Gambling Control Unit and signed by a duly authorized officer
27 of the eligible organization. The application must include the full name and address of
28 the eligible organization, the number of electronic lucky seven devices to be operated,
29 the location where the electronic lucky seven devices will be operated and any other
30 information determined necessary by the Gambling Control Unit for the issuance of a
31 license to operate electronic lucky seven devices under section 1835-C.
32Sec. 11. 17 MRSA §1834, sub-§8 is enacted to read:
338. Operation of electronic lucky seven devices. The fee for a license to operate
34 electronic lucky seven devices is $200 per lucky seven or similar sealed ticket game in a
35 calendar year and $50 per electronic lucky seven device in a calendar year.
36Sec. 12. 17 MRSA §1834, sub-§9 is enacted to read:
379. Electronic lucky seven device distributor. The fee for a license issued to an
38 electronic lucky seven device distributor is $5,000 for each calendar year or portion of a
39 calendar year. In addition to the license fee, the director may charge a one-time initial
40 application fee for an electronic lucky seven device distributor license in an amount equal
41 to the projected cost of processing the application and performing any background
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42 investigations. If the actual cost of processing the application and performing any
43 background investigations exceeds the projected cost, an additional fee may be charged to
44 meet the actual cost. If the projected cost exceeds the actual cost, the difference may be
45 refunded to the applicant.
5Sec. 13. 17 MRSA §1835-C is enacted to read:
6§1835-C. Operation of electronic lucky seven devices
7 The following provisions apply to the operation of electronic lucky seven devices by
8 licensed organizations issued a license under section 1832, subsection 9.
91. Operation; fees. Electronic lucky seven devices may be operated only for the
10 exclusive benefit of the licensee, except that up to 30% of the gross revenue from the
11 operation of the devices may be paid to the electronic lucky seven device distributor as a
12 leasing fee and for service and repair of the devices under a contract approved by the
13 director. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a licensee may
14 purchase or lease an electronic lucky seven device from an electronic lucky seven device
15 distributor.
16 The director may collect from each licensee a fee equal to 1% of the gross revenue from
17 the operation of electronic lucky seven devices. The fee must be deposited in the Gambling
18 Control Unit administrative expenses Other Special Revenue Funds account, which is a
19 nonlapsing dedicated account.
202. Licensed organizations; number and location of devices. An organization
21 licensed under section 1832, subsection 9 may operate the following number of electronic
22 lucky seven devices per premises.
23 A. A licensed organization with up to 100 members may operate up to 5 electronic
24 lucky seven devices per premises.
25 B. A licensed organization with 100 or more members may operate up to 10 electronic
26 lucky seven devices per premises.
27 The director may allow additional electronic lucky seven devices for licensees under
28 paragraphs A and B based upon benchmarks established by rule by the Gambling Control
29 Unit, as long as no single premises operates more than 10 electronic lucky seven devices.
30 A licensed organization may operate an electronic lucky seven device only on the licensed
31 organization's premises.
323. Redemption kiosk. A licensee shall operate at each premises where an electronic
33 lucky seven device is operated at least one redemption kiosk for the redemption of
34 electronic lucky seven vouchers.
354. Persons under 18 years of age. A person under 18 years of age is not permitted to
36 operate or play an electronic lucky seven device.
375. Hours of operation. A licensee may operate an electronic lucky seven device for
38 12 hours during any day, except that an electronic lucky seven device may not be operated
39 between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
406. Number of tickets per lucky seven or similar sealed ticket deal for electronic
41lucky seven devices. Each lucky seven or similar sealed ticket deal for an electronic lucky
42 seven device must contain a fixed number of virtual lucky seven or similar sealed tickets.
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43 The maximum number of virtual lucky seven or similar sealed tickets per lucky seven or
44 similar sealed ticket deal for an electronic lucky seven device may not exceed 25,000.
37. Illegal gambling machine. An electronic lucky seven device may not be operated
4 in a manner that meets the definition of "illegal gambling machine" in Title 17-A, section
5 952, subsection 5-A.
68. Rules. The Gambling Control Unit shall adopt rules to facilitate the operation of
7 electronic lucky seven devices. Rules must include, but are not limited to, rules regarding
8 the registration, certification and auditing of electronic lucky seven devices. Rules adopted
9 under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375,
10 subchapter 2-A.
11Sec. 14. 17 MRSA §1838, sub-§1, ¶A, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 487, Pt. A, §2,
12 is amended to read:
13 A. An organization including a fair licensed to operate beano, bingo or lucky seven
14 games or an eligible organization licensed to operate electronic lucky seven devices
15 under section 1832, subsection 9 may use up to 20% of the gross revenue to compensate
16 those who conduct the games.
17Sec. 15. 17 MRSA §1840-A is enacted to read:
18§1840-A. Electronic lucky seven device distributors; agreements; records and reports
191. Distributors licensed. An electronic lucky seven device distributor may not sell,
20 lease, market or otherwise distribute electronic lucky seven devices unless licensed by the
21 Gambling Control Unit. A nonresident manufacturer or distributor of electronic lucky
22 seven devices doing business in this State must have an agent in this State who is licensed
23 as an electronic lucky seven device distributor. An electronic lucky seven device
24 distributor may not sell, market or otherwise distribute electronic lucky seven devices to a
25 person or organization, except to persons or eligible organizations licensed to operate
26 electronic lucky seven devices under section 1832, subsection 9. A person or eligible
27 organization licensed to operate electronic lucky seven devices shall acquire electronic
28 lucky seven devices from a distributor licensed under this section. The applicant for an
29 electronic lucky seven device distributor's license or, if the applicant is a firm, corporation,
30 association or other organization, its resident manager, superintendent or official
31 representative, shall file an application with the Gambling Control Unit on a form provided
32 by the Gambling Control Unit. The Gambling Control Unit may adopt rules regarding the
33 licensing of electronic lucky seven device distributors, which are routine technical rules as
34 defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
352. Sales agreements. When an electronic lucky seven device is sold, the electronic
36 lucky seven device distributor shall forward to the Gambling Control Unit, prior to delivery
37 of the electronic lucky seven device to the purchaser, a copy of all sales agreements, sales
38 contracts or any other agreements involving the sale of any electronic lucky seven device.
39 The terms of these sales agreements must include, but are not limited to, the name of the
40 seller, name of the purchaser, address of the seller, address of the purchaser, description of
41 the electronic lucky seven device, including serial number and model name and number,
42 total sale price, any arrangement or terms for payments and date of final payment. Any
43 change, modification or alteration of these sales agreements must be reported to the
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44 Gambling Control Unit by the purchaser within 6 days of the change, modification or
45 alteration.
33. Service agreement. With the sale of any electronic lucky seven device that includes
4 a service agreement, the electronic lucky seven device distributor shall forward to the
5 Gambling Control Unit a copy of the service agreement prior to delivery of the electronic
6 lucky seven device. The terms of the service agreement must include, but are not limited
7 to, the name of the seller, name of the purchaser, address of the seller, address of the
8 purchaser, description of the electronic lucky seven device to be serviced, including serial
9 number and model name and number, and all prices and payments for that service. Any
10 change, modification or alteration of a service agreement must be reported to the Gambling
11 Control Unit by the purchaser within 6 days of the change, modification or alteration.
124. Lease agreement. When an electronic lucky seven device is leased, the electronic
13 lucky seven device distributor shall forward to the Gambling Control Unit a copy of the
14 lease agreement and shipment approval prior to delivery of the electronic lucky seven
15 device. The terms of a lease agreement must include, but are not limited to, the name of
16 the lessor, address of the lessor, name of the lessee, address of the lessee, description of the
17 electronic lucky seven device, including serial number and model name and number, and
18 all prices and payments for the lease. Each lease must be for a specific period of time.
195. Reports. At the end of each calendar month, an electronic lucky seven device
20 distributor shall file with the Gambling Control Unit a report indicating:
21 A. The names and addresses of all eligible organizations to which the electronic lucky
22 seven device distributor has distributed electronic lucky seven devices and the dates of
23 the distributions;
24 B. Descriptions of the electronic lucky seven devices distributed, including serial
25 numbers and model names and numbers; and
26 C. The number of electronic lucky seven devices distributed.
276. Retention and inspection of records. An electronic lucky seven device distributor
28 shall maintain and keep for a period of 3 years, on the premises of the electronic lucky
29 seven device distributor, any records that may be necessary to substantiate the reports
30 required by this section or by the rules adopted under this chapter. The records must be
31 open to inspection, and an electronic lucky seven device distributor may not refuse
32 permission for the Gambling Control Unit to inspect or audit the records. Refusal to permit
33 inspection or audit of the records by the Gambling Control Unit does not constitute a crime
34 under this chapter but constitutes grounds for revocation of license or registration.
357. Required reports. The Gambling Control Unit shall require from any licensed
36 electronic lucky seven device distributor any reports determined necessary by the
37 Gambling Control Unit for the purpose of the administration and enforcement of this
38 chapter.
39Sec. 16. 17 MRSA §1841, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 487, Pt. A, §2, is
40 amended to read:
411. Schemes prohibited. A license may not be issued under this chapter for the conduct
42 or operation of a machine, a slot machine, roulette or games commonly known as policy or
43 numbers, except that a license may be issued for an electronic video machine or an
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44 electronic lucky seven device. An electronic video machine or an electronic lucky seven
45 device that constitutes a game of chance is fully governed by this chapter.
3Sec. 17. 17 MRSA §1842, sub-§2, ¶B, as amended by PL 2017, c. 284, Pt.
4 KKKKK, §29, is further amended by amending subparagraph (2) to read:
5 (2) If a distributor violates section 1840, subsection 2 or an electronic lucky seven
6 device distributor violates section 1840-A, subsection 1, the Gambling Control
7 Unit is not required to give the notice or allow the compliance period provided in
8 subparagraph (1); or
9Sec. 18. 17-A MRSA §952, sub-§5-A, ¶C, as amended by PL 2009, c. 487, Pt. B,
10 §11, is further amended to read:
11 C. That is not a machine that a person may lawfully operate pursuant to a license that
12 has been issued under Title 17, chapter 62 or that is operated by the Department of
13 Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery
14 Operations; and
15Sec. 19. 17-A MRSA §952, sub-§5-A, ¶D, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 687, Pt. A,
16 §7 and affected by Pt. B, §11, is amended to read:
17 D. That is not a slot machine registered pursuant to Title 8, section 1020 and owned
18 by a slot machine distributor licensed pursuant to Title 8, section 1013. ; and
19Sec. 20. 17-A MRSA §952, sub-§5-A, ¶E is enacted to read:
20 E. That is not an electronic lucky seven device operated by an eligible organization
21 licensed pursuant to Title 17, section 1832, subsection 9.
22SUMMARY
23 This bill authorizes the Department of Public Safety, Gambling Control Unit to issue
24 licenses to operate electronic lucky seven devices to eligible organizations. The bill
25 provides restrictions on the number, location and operation of electronic lucky seven
26 devices and requires licensees to operate at least one kiosk for the redemption of electronic
27 lucky seven vouchers. It also requires distributors of electronic lucky seven devices to be
28 licensed. The bill also makes other necessary changes to the charitable gaming laws.
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