Illegal lottery devices

# A.

Illegal lottery devices as described in this Section are per se gambling devices and contraband.

# B.

As used in this Section, the term "illegal lottery device" means:

# (1)

Forged, counterfeit, or stolen, or improperly issued or illegally possessed lottery tickets.

# (2)

Any device of any sort whatsoever which utilizes a cathode ray tube or video screen upon which symbols, numbers, cards, figures, facsimiles, or data appear for observation by the player and which is equipped with either:

(a) A cash automatic payout device, or

(b) A capability, design, device, or programming capable of releasing free games, credits, or replays and a capability, design, device, or programming to record the free games, credits, or free plays so released.

# (3)

Any video device which accepts coins or credits for the purpose of advancing the odds or benefits to the player for successful completion of the object of play, or which may award a cumulative total in excess of fifteen free games or replays.

# C.

All law enforcement officers of municipal police forces, sheriffs' departments, and the office of state police may confiscate and immediately destroy all illegal lottery devices or other video machines used for illegal gambling that come to their attention.

# D.

Any video lottery device or equipment in possession of a licensed manufacturer, seller, distributor, transporter, or repairman in this state shall not be subject to confiscation and destruction unless such device or equipment is being used for unlawful gambling activities.

# E.

Any law enforcement agency which seizes any illegal lottery device in accordance with this Section may, in lieu of the immediate destruction of the device, file a petition in the district court where the device was seized seeking a judicial determination that the seized device is an illegal lottery device. The petition shall require the persons and entities from whom the device was seized and such other persons as the agency believes may have an interest in the device to appear and show cause why the seized device should not be destroyed as an illegal lottery device.

# F.

The provisions of this Section shall not apply to electronic bingo machines the possession and use of which has been authorized and licensed pursuant to R.S. 33:4861.17 or to any lottery game or equipment authorized pursuant in the Subtitle.

# G.

Neither the state nor any political subdivision, agency, agent, or enforcement officer thereof shall be liable civilly or criminally for the destruction of any illegal lottery device.