67.70.050 - Office of director created -- Appointment -- Salary -- Duties.

Office of director created — Appointment — Salary — Duties.

There is created the office of director of the state lottery. The director shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the governor and shall receive such salary as is determined by the governor, but in no case may the director's salary be more than ninety percent of the salary of the governor. The director shall:

     (1) Supervise and administer the operation of the lottery in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and with the rules of the commission.

     (2) Appoint such deputy and assistant directors as may be required to carry out the functions and duties of his office: PROVIDED, That the provisions of the state civil service law, chapter 41.06 RCW, shall not apply to such deputy and assistant directors.

     (3) Appoint such professional, technical, and clerical assistants and employees as may be necessary to perform the duties imposed by this chapter: PROVIDED, That the provisions of the state civil service law, chapter 41.06 RCW, shall not apply to such employees as are engaged in undercover audit or investigative work or security operations but shall apply to other employees appointed by the director, except as provided for in subsection (2) of this section.

     (4) In accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules of the commission, license as agents to sell or distribute lottery tickets such persons as in his opinion will best serve the public convenience and promote the sale of tickets or shares. The director may require a bond from any licensed agent, in such amount as provided in the rules of the commission. Every licensed agent shall prominently display his license, or a copy thereof, as provided in the rules of the commission. License fees may be established by the commission, and, if established, shall be deposited in the state lottery account created by RCW 67.70.230.

     (5) Confer regularly as necessary or desirable with the commission on the operation and administration of the lottery; make available for inspection by the commission, upon request, all books, records, files, and other information and documents of the lottery; and advise the commission and recommend such matters as the director deems necessary and advisable to improve the operation and administration of the lottery.

     (6) Subject to the applicable laws relating to public contracts, enter into contracts for the operation of the lottery, or any part thereof, and into contracts for the promotion of the lottery. No contract awarded or entered into by the director may be assigned by the holder thereof except by specific approval of the commission: PROVIDED, That nothing in this chapter authorizes the director to enter into public contracts for the regular and permanent administration of the lottery after the initial development and implementation.

     (7) Certify quarterly to the state treasurer and the commission a full and complete statement of lottery revenues, prize disbursements, and other expenses for the preceding quarter.

     (8) Carry on a continuous study and investigation of the lottery throughout the state: (a) For the purpose of ascertaining any defects in this chapter or in the rules issued thereunder by reason whereof any abuses in the administration and operation of the lottery or any evasion of this chapter or the rules may arise or be practiced, (b) for the purpose of formulating recommendations for changes in this chapter and the rules promulgated thereunder to prevent such abuses and evasions, (c) to guard against the use of this chapter and the rules issued thereunder as a cloak for the carrying on of professional gambling and crime, and (d) to ensure that this chapter and rules shall be in such form and be so administered as to serve the true purposes of this chapter.

     (9) Make a continuous study and investigation of: (a) The operation and the administration of similar laws which may be in effect in other states or countries, (b) the operation of an additional game or games for the benefit of a particular program or purpose, (c) any literature on the subject which from time to time may be published or available, (d) any federal laws which may affect the operation of the lottery, and (e) the reaction of the citizens of this state to existing and potential features of the lottery with a view to recommending or effecting changes that will tend to serve the purposes of this chapter.

     (10) Have all enforcement powers granted in chapter 9.46 RCW.

     (11) Perform all other matters and things necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

[1998 c 245 § 106. Prior: 1987 c 511 § 3; 1987 c 505 § 57; 1986 c 158 § 21; 1985 c 375 § 2; 1982 2nd ex.s. c 7 § 5.]