Thanks, Dave. All right, everybody. Good morning. Today is Tuesday, July 12th already. We are holding this meeting virtually, which is actually an important point of procedure because we are looking and hoping for an extension of this platform to continue to be able to hold our public meetings. The first item of business is to have a roll call. I am not seeing Commissioner Hill. It just said he joined like five seconds ago. There he is. There he is. Right. We're just concerned I'm thinking he's not yet on vacation. I know you've got your big trip. Settle your daughter. All right, we'll do our roll call, but I was just noting Commissioner Hill that today is July 12th. A deadline on the virtual platform is approaching. So we'll have to discuss that later in our meeting. Let's get going. Good morning, Commissioner Brian. Good morning. I am here. Good morning, Commissioner Hill. Good morning, President. Good morning, Commissioner Skinner. Morning. I'm here. Right. Thank you. We're going to get started. Today is July 12th, as I said, and today is public meeting for the Gaming Commission number 384. We'll get started, Commissioner Hill, with the minutes. I do know on the agenda there are two sets, but I believe our packet has three sets. So just a note. Yep, that is correct. And I, Madam Chair, move that the Commission approve the minutes from October 7, 2021, and May 25, 2022, that are included in the commissioners packet subject to any necessary corrections to typographical errors or other non material matters. Second. I do have an edit on October 7. And it's a little bit more substantive it's on page six of the packet. And it has to do with the item number five appointment of commission pressure. There's a in the second paragraph. It says that she meaning it's me clarified that she did not recommend filling the current treasure role as an interim position, however, period. And then I think before Commissioner Cameron informed that she was available to serve. I believe I said that I had spoken with Commissioner Cameron and asked if, if she would be available to serve and assume the role of treasurer. So, and then I think that's important because it just then says that she has she wanted to make sure we were that she thought she would be available to serve. So if we could just insert that Judy or Todd or Carrie. I can take. Excuse me, I can take care of that for you I'm having a hard time great computer but if we can meet for a little bit later I can see exactly what you mean and then just make the update. Yeah, we can just I'll go through this everybody understand it's just she was asked before the meeting and it was gracious enough to be willing to serve and that's that syndicated here. All right. Thanks. It's all like. The only one I have in terms of October 7 and then May 25 and and Krishna Hill are we also going to be moving on the last set that was also included, which is over 21. Where's that what you moved on. I moved October 7 and May 25. Yeah, and our packet included October 21 2021 as well. Yes, Mr. Ask that there be separate motions on these because of the October 7 2021 I was not present so I think we need to just separate the two out. That makes good sense do you mind doing on three different motions we could. It was seconded so. If you can just work with draw that that motion. If you can bear with me one moment Madam chair. For some reason. The third one I thought somebody wanted to hold on. And that's why I didn't include it. And I can't remember why that was, but I can certainly include October 21 if you'd like. I think that. Right now. Right now that I think. Commissioner Skinner is pointing out that. October. Wait, May 25. No, October 7. May 25. You were here. Commissioner Skinner, but October 7th you weren't here. So she's wondering if you could do two separate motions so that. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. Her vote would be clear. I have no problem with that. So that means we'd have to withdraw your motion that was second. Yep, which I will withdraw that motion. Okay. And. Move that the commission approve the minutes. From October 7, 2021. That are included in the commissioner's packet subject. To any necessary corrections for typographical errors. Or other non material matters. Okay. Okay. Any other. Add it. That would reflect that I had. Asked commissioner Cameron. In advance of the meeting. Whether she would. Consider serving as treasurer. Just be inserted. Okay. Any other edits on those. Okay. Mr. O'Brien. I. Mr. Hill. Hi. Mr. Skinner. And I thought yes. Okay. Okay. Any other. Any other. Any yeses and one abstention. Then we'll go to. May 25th. Is that what you're thinking? Yeah. Then I will move that the commission approve the minutes from. May 25th, 2022. That are included in the commissioners packet. Subject to any necessary corrections for typographical errors. For other non material matters. Thank you. Any edits or discussion on that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for that. All right. Mr. O'Brien. Hi. Mr. Hill. Hi. Mr. Skinner. Hi. And I felt yes for zero. Thank you. And Madam chair, if there's no objection, I can also make a motion for the October 21st. I thought someone had reached out, but I'm. Unless somebody here has an objection to that, I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know with those minutes as well. Did everyone have a chance to review them in the packet, even though they're not on the agenda? Can we move even though they're on the agenda? We should probably hold on them until we put them on the agenda. Okay. Just to be perfectly transparent. Okay. Then we'll just roll those over crystal. And then we'll move on to the next public meeting. Thanks. This does video off today. I think someone had reached reached out. I don't know if it was staff or one of the commissioners. So holding it for another meeting is fine with me. Okay. And we'll just. It's probably better because it's not on the agenda. All right. Then moving on to. Thank you, commissioner. Hill. All right. Moving on to. Good morning. So I am going to turn that right over to Burke. Kane. Good morning, Burke. How are you? To give an update on the casino operations. Thanks. Thanks Karen. Good morning, madam chair. Good morning commissioners. I used to talk to you on this. Fine summer day. Good morning. Good morning. I'd like to present the mid July, mid summer on site casino updates for you. And as Kathy mentioned earlier, if anyone can explain how we're in the middle of July. That would be good too. But nonetheless, first, I'd like to report the total number of slot machines. And table games at each casino. I'm core has 2728. Slot machines, 184 table games. And 15 poker games. PPC has 109 slot machines. MGM has 1527 slot machines. 48 table games. 14 poker games. The total slots and the Commonwealth. Equal 5264. Total table games in the Commonwealth. 232. Total poker games in the Commonwealth are 29. Special events and live events. On core. During the month of July on Saturdays and Sundays, the night shift brewery is sponsoring the beer garden on the harborside lawn. And beverage are there and can handle and accommodate up to 150 to 200 people. On 721. Country acoustic music evening on the south lawn with Jackson Dean can accommodate up to 600 people. On July 30th on the south lawn radio station promotion that can accommodate up to 200 people. Portable bars, live music. And a cornhole tournament. PPC. Friday and Saturday nights. There's live music on the patio and in the hall of the revolution bar with local bands. And regarding horse racing, the spirit of Massachusetts is going to be on July 24th. 2022. MGM assorted bands and DJs are in the revolution bar. And recently throughout the. Caldor Cup finals, there was a viewing party for the Springfield Thunderbirds. And it was a success. Although they lost in the finals. July 4th at MGM. There was a garage viewing of the fireworks. 400 to 500 viewers. With a special VIP section. Hot dogs. So does. And it was a big success. Also. And I can take any questions that you folks might have about this update. Questions for Burke. Yeah. I don't know if you're aware. Commission Burke as, as much as a statement. And I'm probably going to make it every update that we get on the numbers of slot machines, tables and poker tables. I'm still concerned that it when we look at it statewide, how many poker tables we actually have going, which is, I think you said we're. Was it? 29, 29 total. very, very small to me. And I hope that we're sending the message loud and clear to our licensees that at least as one commission, I'd like to see those numbers continue to rise when possible. I understand why we're at 29 and I get it, but I think our constituents and the citizens of Massachusetts would like to be able to do a little bit more poker playing at these facilities than they're being allowed to now. I would agree with that. The other question I would wanna ask is what are the hours? Is there any weekend access coming at E.B.H. or poker? Yes, encore is in the process of announcing expanded hours. And I didn't wanna steal their thunder, but I think that's forthcoming in a very short period of time.  Thank you. Mark, also on the subject of poker, last time when the update was given by Bruce, there was an inquiry, I believe, by Commissioner O'Brien relative to the wait times and wait lists. And Bruce was going to report back, and I understand if you're not prepared to report back today on that inquiry, but just interested in whether... Well, I have some notes here that Lewis provided me at Encore. They have a waiting list that becomes active one hour before the poker room opens. Let's see. Poker's first come first serve. Patients can add themselves to the waiting list after 11 o'clock. Encore's 15 poker tables fill to 100% capacity around 11 till 12 noon, and usually are flowing at 100% capacity. The waiting line accumulates to around 30 or 40 people after they open. So as far as getting on a waiting list, you can do that on the poker Atlas system approximately one hour before the room opens. Does that help at all? Is that electronic? Yeah, right. Yeah, okay. What about MGM? Any weights at MGM? No, it looks like I was there just yesterday, so I actually wanted to go down there before the room opened. And of course it was on Monday. The people start to mill in there and hang around, and they had about seven tables opening and pretty full play. And there's only about six or eight people waiting to play on the lobby there. And what's the process for wait list there? Same thing, electronic or? I understand it to be just walk up and sign in of the interested to see how the weekends are going. We can follow up on that for you also. I haven't heard that there's a huge wait time at MGM. Joe, when do we hear from the two licensees with table games again? Not for a couple of months? With respect to quarterly reports. Probably in August we'll be having those quarterly reports. Well, then I guess probably for our next meeting, Burke, if you can coordinate again with Bruce and Joe if necessary to just continue to get as many details around poker. And I also probably should be a little bit better educated to know how does that table game number compare to pre-COVID? Is it pretty healthy? Yeah, I think it's relative of MGM, I think paired down some table games, but I think I'm core was running about the same. We're going to check that out for you and report back to that on that. Yeah, so I think we really wanna hear specifics again on poker, about wait list, about hours, days and hours in table numbers and any plan for continued expansion. I received just over the weekend another inquiry, somebody who found me via social media very polite message again, inquiring about when poker would be expanding on core. So we are, and that's just anecdotal, but we do receive many, many inquiries about, as Commissioner Hill suggested at the top of this discussion about the need for expanded access. The total table game separate and apart from poker games, it's 232 in the common law. So I guess perhaps maybe at the next meeting too, you could find out how that compares pre-COVID, 48 for tables for MGM and 184 for on core. All right, on a different note, Burke, I saw a billboard that indicated that machine gun Kelly was that memoir and it caught my eye. And I looked just now and the date was, it happened already in June. I would have thought that might be kind of a big drop, but I haven't heard anything about concerns regarding crowds or the folks leaving memoir. Do you have any sense on those issues or maybe Loretta would chime in on this? If there's any concern about numbers as they exit memoir, when it's a crowded venue, any concerns being raised? Well, we would have to look at that. I didn't hear, it was never brought up on our weekend reports that we get that there was any issue regarding that weekend in particular, but we can follow up on that also. I think maybe that's another good suggestion is for us to be, it's actually really helpful publicity for the properties to be able to give advanced briefings on what is anticipated going forward for the properties and crowd management. I think it's important for us to think about, right, commissioners? Okay, Loretta, do you have anything to note on that? No, we can try to add that moving forward and with respect to the event you mentioned, I also didn't hear anything from GEU. Nothing was highlighted on their notables and I didn't get any alerts on that. Yeah, that's great. And I'm not sure, I don't know how the crowds are comparing at memoir, free and post COVID either. So that's just another question as we think about the venues. All right, any further questions for Burke? Good to see you, Burke. Great job. That's it for the administrative update, Madam Chair. Okay, thank you. All right, then we're going to move right on to item number four. Good morning, Dr. Lightbaum, racing division. You've got a couple of items today. Good morning. So our first item is a request by Plain Ridge Park Casino to use promotional funds for a summer handicapping series. Back in 2020 pre-COVID, they ran a smaller version called the Winter Wonderland Handicap Series in February. So they had asked for the request for promo funds in January of that year. And that was a successful endeavor and they were going to bring back a more expanded handicapping series in March of 2020 and it was actually on our agenda at the meeting we canceled partway through due to COVID. So now Steve O'Toole has a request in to bring back an expanded handicapping seminar series for this year. And we're looking forward to it. Chad Bork, our financial analyst is here and he will go into more detail on it. And Steve O'Toole is also on if anyone has any questions. So Chad. Thanks, Alex. Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners. Good morning. Good morning. So as Alex mentioned, I have a request for the harness horse promotional trust that was submitted by Plain Ridge. The way this works is that each month funds are deposited into the trust that our licensees can use to engage customers in hopes of increasing customer attendance and therefore handled. Distributions are made upon the commission's approval of first request for consideration. And then if that's approved, there'll be a request for reimbursement. So again, this one is for the first step, which is the consideration and the request is in the amount of $26,000 for the summer handicapping series. The contest will begin on July 23rd and ends on September 5th. Customers are free to enter and there will be weekly prizes along with a grand prize on September 5th. I did review the request and all the documentation that was submitted to ensure that all the requirements were met and the fund does have the current balance in the fund is a little over $270,000. So there's enough money to go around and fund the series. I do consider the approval to be in good order. So I do recommend approval. I do consider the approval to be in good order with that. Steve O'Toole is also on the line with us. And if you want to go over the details, Steve or answer any questions. Good morning, Steve. Good morning, Madam chair. Good morning commissioners. Thank you, Alex and Chad. So as Alex mentioned, we held a very small handicapping contest in 2019, 2020 and it went over very well. And so then we were expanding that into the COVID year, but we never actually did get to pull that one off. That was about 50 or $60,000 in $10,000 weekly contests. This one is a little bit different. What we've decided to do this year, some feedback from our customers, which they love the concept. We do get a lot of out of state participants that are over the border in New Hampshire and under the border in Rhode Island. And what we decided to do was to give, run seven weekly contests. And the customers would earn points for where they finished in those particular contests, leading up to a $10,000 final. And that final would be held on Labor Day. So we could mix in some of our live racing as well on the final contest, the $10,000 contest, because we race on live on that particular day. Saturday obviously is the day that where we have the most content and the most customers show up to bet on the tracks around the country. So we'll have a nice menu to offer, especially in the summer months when the Saratoga thoroughbred meat is going, because that's very popular with our summer cast guests. So we look forward to this contest, especially with the twist and my staff's ready to go. They've done these in the past and they know how to handle them. The one thing that we didn't have done in time for this meeting, we decided very late to maybe engage a social media group in order to push it out through social media and maybe really get a good pop for this. And we did have a meeting last Friday with a social media group called Foundry. They seemed to be very good. They did come back with a proposal. So I will probably bring that proposal forward at your next meeting, but it wasn't ready in time for this particular meeting. It looks to be about another $15,000. And they would be able to really push it out on social media provided if we provide them the tools that we have through our marketing firm, through our marketing department and push it out through not only our platforms, but they would create their own excitement through it. They really do a nice job. And we've been trying to get them on board here for quite a while to promote some of our live stuff as well. So we've been talking to them for quite a while. And when we come up with the handicapping contest, you know, we very late in the game, after I had submitted this, we decided maybe that was the way to go with this as well. If the commission thought that was a good idea, we would definitely pursue that. If we wait till the next meeting, is that still timely for you? Next meeting, Crystal, if you're, if you're, I know Chris was having some technical difficulties. I am here. Yeah, the next meeting is scheduled for July 28th. Right. July 28th may present, may have a couple of challenges now on that date, but it would be near that unless we added to an agenda setting meeting. Steve, does that make it untimely for you to really benefit from the social media? It does, but it's our fault. We didn't think of it until the 11th hour, you know, to maybe do something like this and engage it. We don't care about that. We want to just be able to be effective. We think it's a great idea. The commission might not think so and not give us the approval to go forward with it. But we think it's a, you know, we haven't done a lot of the social media stuff. A lot of the race tracks around the country haven't really taken advantage of that. There are a couple. We were very impressed by this group. They knew nothing about racing and they came back within a week. They knew the tracks well, how they were doing it and how they could improve on that. So we were impressed with them. And, you know, they would obviously be, be available to appear before the commission as well and give you some of their ideas, but we thought it was, it would be after meeting with them, we thought it would be a good idea. Well, I do understand from Chad and Dr. I found that there are requirements that you have to meet under the statute for us to move forward on that kind of request. Karen and I think maybe we can look at our calendars and see if we could convene something timely. If that's a request that Dr. Light found and, and that Mr. Burke want to go forward with. Missions, do you agree? And that's on the social media piece. Yeah, I do. The only thing I would add is whether they could also focus on responsible gaming in terms of if they're going to start to pull people in on that. Whether you just address that part of it when you're coming back in front of us, you're going to move forward. Good point. Thank you. And maybe Alex, you can have long and mark. We clear work with Steve on that piece. Okay. All right. So I had noted, and I'm sure the others had noted that that was possibility in your, your document. So we'll just try to be as accommodating as we can be. Steve. To address this. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Just that request. So right now. Thank you, Chad, for the nice one pager. Really helpful to set the stage. The request right now is for that 26,000. And to be clear, following up on commissioner O'Brien. That will include some responsible gaming. Or is that also need to be included? Were you anticipating that? We, we, we brand all of our. We're going to be. We're going to be responsible gaming and also the game sense is always around on whenever we have these motions. They're going to be available on spirit of mass day. And so they're going to be in the area as well. Mr. O'Brien, commissioner Hill, commissioner Skinner questions for Steve or chatter. I have a question, but it has to do. I'm still learning the terminology as a newbie. And I've tried to understand it. I've looked it up on Wikipedia. I've done all this good stuff. And I still just would like maybe, and we can take this offline. Dr. Lightbaum and Steve, if we need to. Can you explain to me exactly what is standing happening? A race. I see my question. Commissioner Hill. Thank you. I'd like to think I know how to bet on stuff. I've always been a little confused about. So the, the sports betters and the horse players are. Kind of similar. They're not like the casino players or the table games players. They study sometimes at nauseam. Sometimes they have paralysis by analysis. But they all come up with their own particular ways of handicapping. And it can be as simple as. The most catchiest name in the race to. Mathematical equations that. That the particular handicapper would think that. Would come out to the outcome of the race in their favor. So it takes time. It takes positions in races. It takes the length of the race. It takes the. The conditions of the track, the weather. You know, and some guys really spend a lot of time with it. And other other people don't spend quite as much time with it, but they, you know, one thing is for sure. When you run a handicapping contest like this, everybody wants to be, you know, the smartest handicapper and the best handicapper. Amongst that group of people that will enjoy handicapping races. So handicapping is just a way to figure. Who's going to win the race? Who's going to win? Who's going to be second? Who's going to be third? And it's kind of like, you know, the guys that set the lines for the games and stuff for sports. You know, they have to handicap the games more or less. Thank you. Any other questions for Steve or Alex or Chad? Sorry. No, so I was going to, um, I was also just going to mention. So in, in the, in the packet, um, under the, the handicapping series, um, you'll actually see. See if I can. This is the paralysis. This is the paralysis by analysis. So that's for one race. Um, you know, that, that are a customer would actually break down, um, to do their research, um, on who they think is, um, going to, going to come in each place. That's a good point that Chad brings up by, I forgot that that was in the packet. Um, you know, they'll be able to see what the customers will get. They'll get 10 races to handicap. Um, they'll get the, uh, the rules and entry form. And the 10 races will be in that. Uh, and it'll be free to the customers that, uh, want to participate and they'll take each one of those races. And all that information that Chad just showed you and it's in the packet, they'll take all that information and try and come up with the best possible scenario for them for their picks. So you basically. That's for the entire, that's for the entire race.  So they kind of predict the order in which they will cross the finish line. Is that. They only in this particular contest, they only need to predict the winner. Um, so it's a, it's a mythical, it's a mythical $2 wager. And then whatever that course pays, that goes, uh, uh, accumulates for each race. So it's just, they only have to pick one horse out of the, uh, out of the, uh, seven on that particular race, that could be nine, that could be five, that could be 12. It'll depend on the, on the races that we designate and we'll designate 10 races. And then whatever that, or if, if, if you don't, uh, pick a winner in the first race, you don't get any point, you don't get any, uh, uh, dollar value. And then if you have, when the second race and the horse pays $12, let's say, then you'll have $12 in your account and then at the, at the bottom, at the end, after we total up all 10 races, uh, that'll be the, uh, that'll determine the order of finish for the day. So that it's the accumulation of the winds that makes this handicapping series different from just the regular races. Is that right? Well, there's wind bedding, you know, for the regular races, you can take $2 out of your pocket and, and bed at the windows as well. Uh, but this is for the contest. It's just a mythical wager and it's only for wind, you know, for, for our regular races, we have wind place, show exact the trifecta, superfecta, wicked high five, which is a pent-effectly pick the correct order in the first five. So there's all kinds of exotic wagering going on, on, on just about every race, but for a handicapping contest, that would really get cumbersome. And so what we do is we, it's free to enter. So there's no, there's no money going back and forth. It's a mythical $2 wager. And then those 10 races, if you have six winners, um, we add up what the course has paid for those six races. And that's your, uh, total dollar figure and the highest total dollar figure, mythical total dollar figure at the end of the, uh, contest wins the contest, second place, third place and so forth. Okay. I don't know that I completely get it, but, um, if I have any other questions, I can certainly take them offline. Thank you, Steve. Thank you. And I'm correct in saying, so if I was to go and do this, hypothetically, I'm going to be given a very different book when I walk into the casino than what I'm used to getting. You've got a lot more information to try and, like you said, is it wet outside where they play? I get it now. Well, you know, that information is always available to the handicappers and to the customers. But the difference with our contest is that we're going to be picking races. We might have two from Saratoga. We might have a couple from Belmont. We might do one out of the harness race out at the Meadows or in Philadelphia. Um, so we'll, it'll be 10 different races. So it'll be very challenging because it'll be different tracks. Some handicappers love to just bet Belmont or love to just bet Gulfstream or San Juanita or Saratoga. So this will challenge them because they'll be a little, some of them will be out of their comfort zone because we're going to mix it up and, and force them to bet on different tracks and keep them, um, you know, kind of keep them, uh, you know, not confused, but, you know, try to keep it so that everybody has a, has a pretty good chance. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you, Steve. Thank you commissioner. And commissioner Skinner, none of this is clear to any of us. So we, we learned every, every day with respect to horse racing and, and Dr. Lightman and Chad, your great resources. And thank you, Steve. Um, Mr. O'Brien, are you all set? I am. I was just, I paused a little bit on the hypothetically out of commissioner. Commissioner. I see him there. I'll let you know. I think he knows more than we know. Well, you know, I have to admit that I'm one that, you know, favors the name alone, right? So, um, Yeah. Yeah. After the Kentucky Derby, this past Kentucky Derby, I think all bets are off. Right. Um, that was a good one showing, showing how things can be upside down. Thanks. And just to note, um, Given that we're looking a lot about advertising and the use of the word free in this case, it truly is free. There's no risk at all for any, anyone who arrives on, um, that plane plane, rich, our casino that day could go and have an, um, An afternoon there. And play for free completely without any risk whatsoever. We are keeping, we are keeping it at 18 and above to stay with the parmigial rules. Right. Okay. But otherwise they're not taking any other risk anywhere. Correct. Great. A lot of fun. All right. Um, any further questions? All right. Thank you for the thorough report. And again, Chad, thank you for your one page. You're really helpful. All right. And now we've got your other piece of business. Oh, so sorry. Yeah. Uh, Madam chair, I move the commission approved the expenditure of $26,000 from the harness horse promotional trust fund. In accordance with chapter one, 28, when one 28 a section 5G for the purposes described in the materials on the commissioner's packet and discussed here today. Second. Any further discussion or edits? Okay. Michelle, Brian. Hi. Mr. Hill. Hi. Sure. Skinner. Hi. And I vote yes for a zero. All right. So then I'll thank you so much. And then, um, with respect to the, the next item, the local aid payments, Chad. Yeah. So. So eight is payable to each city and in town where racing activities are conducted. The amount of aid is determined at a rate of 0.35% of the handle from the quarter that ended six months prior to the payable date. Today's request is for the quarter ending on June 30th. And so that was calculated by using handles from October, November and December of last year. Um, and so without the city of Boston would receive 112,323 dollars and 20 cents. The town of Plainville, 29,406 dollars and 56 cents. The town of random 16,899 dollars and 72 cents. The city of Revere would receive 56,178 dollars and 44 cents for a total of, uh, 214,807 dollars and 92 cents for the quarter. Um, I did, uh, include a detailed breakdown of, of all the amounts and the calculations, um, in the, in the packet and, um, So as I asked for a vote. Any questions for Chad on the local aid payments? And I'm chair, I do have a couple of questions. Okay. Last time Chad in, um, Alex, we voted to approve these payments. The, um, line item was underfunded, but I understand that's since been corrected. Is that, is that right? I know Derek's on. So maybe Derek can speak to it, but. Is there adequate funding now? There's 297,710 dollars and 96 cents unexpended right now. I think Chad said the total expenses are 207,000. So we should have enough. Um, we do have enough for this payment and there'll be 90,000 left in the bank. Um, The reason it was underfunded last time is because we had a supplemental request in through the legislature. Um, that request did pass, um, between the time that the commission approved the vote and when we went to make the payment, we did think we would have to do a partial payment on that, which we've had to do in previous fiscal years, but we do not have to do this year because the, um, stuff did go through. Okay. Thank you. And that this is for FY 22. So, uh, local aid is paid out. Um, per calendar year. Um, so this would be for Q2 of calendar year. 2022. But it would hit against fiscal year 2022 money. State fiscal year 2022 money because it's paid out six months. And we have the next one. We'll hit against FY 23 money. Okay. Thank you. That's, that's clear. Um, Chad, I did note the calendar year 2022 and the subject of your memo, but I just wanted to confirm what Derek just, I actually should put on there how it affects fiscal year too. Thank you. I usually, um, I have the information for both. So going forward, I'll, I'll do that. Any further questions? Do I have a motion? Uh, go ahead. Mr. Hill, she yields to you. Well, then on that, on that, I move that, um, the commission authorized the quarterly local aid payments for the final quarter of 2021 to the city of Boston, the town of Plainville, town of Rainham and the city of Revere in the specific amounts reflected in the memorandum and the commissioners. Okay. So that's the total. So that's the total. Totaling 214,000. 807. Uh, and 92 cents. Second. Any further questions? Edits. Okay. Commissioner Brian. Hi. Mr. Hill. Hi. Mr. Skinner. Hi. And I vote yes. Four to zero. Thanks. Thanks so much, Alex and Chad. Excellent work. Thank you. All right, we're going to move right on then. Our next item of business, which is. Item numbers. The legal division. Good morning, Todd. And I think we're moving right to Carrie as well. Good morning, Carrie. You're in your office. I am. Good morning, Madam chair and commissioners. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate all of you joining us. 205, CMR. 103, the commission's, uh, regulation governing confidentiality of records and certain public records law issues. And at that time, you voted to begin the promulgation process to rescind that regulation on the condition that. Certain sections of the reg were preserved as policy language And we'll come back to you for a final vote in September. So there were three sections that we had discussed at the time, the so-called purple sections. And I just want to apologize. The numbers on the agenda are incorrect. I sent the wrong numbers, the section numbers to Crystal. So the three sections we had talked about the purple sections that would be moved to policy language were 103.03 official custodians individuals responsible for personal data system. 103.09 information provided in response to request for applications phase one and phase two, and 103.14 security protocols restricted access. So at the last meeting when we talked about this, I had said that I would bring these sections back at this meeting just for formal policy adoption. So in your packet you have the language from those three sections of the regulation as individual documents to be preserved as policy. We had also discussed at the last meeting that there may be some possible amendments to these sections. So, for example, I know that one of them has references to 205 CMR 103, which of course would need to be removed when the regulation or decision goes through. One of them we discussed would be incorporated into another policy that the IT department is drafting. One deals with certain designations and the commission might want to revisit those designations at some point. But just for today's purposes, this and this is my understanding at least we were just looking for a formal vote just to adopt this language as policy, exactly as it exists in the regulation just to ensure that there's no gaps in this language existing between the time when the regulation is rescinded and we come forward with updates to these policies. So the regulation will be in effect until at least late September and then between now and then we will work on proposed changes to the policy language and bring those proposals back to you in the coming months for discussion. And then ultimately we would bring these policies in whatever form they end up in back for final vote on amendments after the regulation has been formally rescinded. And then the current promulgation timeline, the earliest date that that would be would be September 30. So, while the regulation is still in effect until that time, we will have duplicate language but we just want to ensure that we don't end up with any conflicting language anywhere. So if you have any questions on that and happy to answer. Any questions. If you have any questions I just wanted to say thank you. I know that I was kind of this is a sticking point for me when we were here last time so I appreciate you turning around this fast. Yeah, of course. Okay, Commissioner Skinner, Commissioner Hill, are you all set. So your, your request then would be to adopt all four as set forth with the understanding that they're going to be tweaked and put into a more of a policy format that's helpful for you. And your team moving forward and all of us. And that that will happen sort of as we go through the promulgation process of the regulation. So, but by adopting that's we're preserving them formally today. Exactly. So, commissioners are you comfortable moving on all four in one motion. There's three. There's one and two were sort of the one category on their own. Oh no, I read for last night guys. I'm joking. There's three. Thanks. All right. So the three. I'm comfortable with it. I don't know if everyone else is. Okay, then I'll take a motion. Thank you. I'm the three. I move that the commission adopt the following policies as included in the commissioners packet and discussed here today. Namely official custodians policy individuals responsible for personal data systems. Policy governing information provided a response to request for applications phases one and two. And lastly security protocols and restricted access policy. Second. Okay, any questions discussion. Commissioner Brian. Hi. Mission Hill. Hi. Commissioner Skinner. Hi. I vote yes for zero. Thank you. Thank you. Well done. And now we turn to Judy I believe on the next set of regulations which I understand are at the beginning of the promulgation process. Commissioner Skinner, I think you had some questions about the about whether we should move forward on this. I don't, I didn't get a chance because of my own issues. My own schedule that I didn't get a chance to hear from you. So I wanted to give you the chance to address that. Thank you madam chair. I'm not interested in making public comment on that inquiry. Okay, so we can move forward. You can. Okay, great. All right. So, um, we're starting on our packet. Good morning commissioners. Yeah, thank you on that packet. The beginning is just so you know page 39. Thanks for it. Good morning. Good morning. So as part of the commission's regulatory review process, the legal department in coordination with the IB has brought forward suggested amendments on four regulations within 205 CMR chapter 138 detailing uniform standards of accounting procedures and internal controls. Given the fact that we are making four suggested changes within one chapter. We have one cover sheet for you to review and possibly approve an additional one small business statement as opposed to four separate cover sheets and four separate small business impact statements. So we are seeking your review and approval of these changes that we've made to begin the promulgation process today. I think it would be best to walk through them chronologically, but I'm happy to do whichever the commissioners prefer. Prological sign. Okay. So the proposed amendments specifically are to clarify the chapter 138 each four of them but starting from the top. So in pages one, I'm sorry 41 through 43 of the meeting packet starting with 138 subsection to internal controls. As I'm sure the commissioners are aware 138 to details the administrative and internal procedures the licensee is required to create and submit before commencing operations and their approval as detailed in subsection one. Additionally details the process by which a licensee can modify change or create new internal controls after opening and also provides a list of what internal controls shall include in subsection four. As it stands, the regulation is written so that modifications may not be implemented or approved until after a 15 day period has spanned without the response of the executive director or in cases in which the executive director has signed off. As it stands beyond that, however, and beyond that talks about a reasonable implementation stage in the second paragraph of subsection to excuse me. There is no time based system to ensure that the licensee has actually implemented system of internal controls after a secondary changes made, or if the commission sees fit to make a change or ask that a change be implemented. So when speaking to the IEB or specifically Burke and Searle. They've suggested that we add a 30 day requirement within subsection seven. This is on page. Excuse me. That's page of 43 43 correct. Thank you. That governs implementation after approval is received, as mentioned and carried out in subsection two and three above in the regulation. So we feel that adding this 30 day requirement if the commission so approves will ensure response by licensee to ultimately confirm to the commission that they have implemented the protocols that the executive director and the IEB have suggested. And also keep the IEB from having to continually ask and ensure that protocols have been successfully implemented. So with that, I can pause here for questions. I'm also joined by field manager Cain and I think compliance manager carpenter maybe on a separate training at Plain Ridge Park. I'm not sure if he's here today. Yeah, I think there is a human trafficking training going on right now so he may be at that. Yeah, yeah. I am here. Nice girl. Can I ask this question. Judy, is it clear and I have to confess that I wasn't able to study the, the reg as it's written and I know it's the beginning of the process I'm not nervous about that. I can, but to understand I wanted to make sure I understood that the language added added the trigger for the 30 days is clear. Yes, so that's in subsection seven it's after the approval section or the approval of a modification to a licensee system has already occurred so within if you forgive me for pulling the entire right but if you do scroll up to page 41 subsections to and three to begin this process by a 15 business day submission period. So that's roughly, you know, three weeks before the executive director and the IEB would, you know, mandate a 30 day implementation period so there is a substantial amount of time that we are giving to the licensee. However, we do wish to, you know, make sure that the processes are implemented within a timely period. And our approval is kind of a formal approval so they actually know that date. That's correct. Okay good. And nothing no language was taken out. Yes, yes, we are simply adding language to kind of have more clarification and you'll, you'll notice that in all four regs that we discussed today. This discussion will help me understand the reg better so thank you. Okay, any questions other questions sorry to jump forward there, commissioners, Richard Skinner, Commissioner Hill, Commissioner Brian questions. Just briefly Judy the if they don't comply within 30 days is that just a normal process in terms of I be perceiving any kind of violation. Yes, so I think it goes into identifying areas of noncompliance in which case that comes later on today that we discussed in the meeting situations of noncompliance. Thanks. Any additional questions before we move forward. Okay. Next, I have for you on page 44 of your packets section point oh five, a system for ensuring licensed, I'm sorry employees are really licensed or registered during the IBS review of their regulations during the review process it was noted that section two J towards the end of your document had language cut off during a previous print of the register. So we've located the previously approved language and added it back into the section it's listed in section J on the red line so now the sentence reads the date on which the information submitted in the report was compiled. So what do you think the descriptors are, or do we need to vote to change this. You know, I do think it would be best to vote to approve the amendment given the fact that the actual regulation, you know, as a whole is showing blank, it does need to be amended. It just stopped at the right. Yeah, the date on which is where it reads how it reads on West and the state website. That's the time for that incomplete sentence right. Okay. I had wondered about that too that's why I asked Judy is there anything that was taken out but again that's just an addition. All right well we need to fix it. Good. And this is all part of the review process correct. Yes, I can't take credit for this one this is, I think, another Burke and sterile special they noted it and brought it forward for right review so the system works. To be kept to be kept a stroll on that. That's great. Thank you sterile. All right, any questions on that one now that we know it truly was just dangling out there. Okay. Okay, next for you is 138.07 floor plans on pages 45 through 47 of your packet again similar to 138.02. This talks about floor plans specifically before opening. It details what the floor plans should be noting. The system in which temporary floor plans or temporary amendments to floor plans are made in subsection two. And then amendments to approved floor plans I've grabbed the entire reg for you just to kind of note exactly how the process is made. But similar to the change that we made in 138.02. The IB is seeking to place a time requirement on how often a licensee submit their approved floor plans or any amendments there too. And then a language instilling a quarterly filing requirement every three months or upon the request of the Bureau within subsection four that governs both amendments to approve for plans and the floor plan approval process. Any questions for Judy on this item. Mr. Skinner. No questions all set. Commissioner Hill all set. Brian. Okay, thank you. Moving on then to the last one. Fantastic. So next for you on page 48 of your packet is 138.62 payment of table game progressive payout wagers as it's currently written. This regulation only requires a licensee to submit a system of internal controls detailing when one patron wins a progressive jackpot. So we are asking the licensees to submit policies that would govern instances when two or more patrons would win a progressive jackpot during the same instance of play whether they're seated at the same table or not. As it's currently enacted at one establishment and not the other. The current protocols allow for an entire jackpot to be one to one player or awarded to one player. And the second patron, if a second patron does win at the same instance or during the same round of play. We may see it theoretically are awarded the reset amount. So if there is a $100,000 progressive jackpot awarded. The first player would receive $100,000. And the second player would receive a $20,000 reset. And so what we are attempting to do here is to provide a more equitable solution, in which case, we would have an equitable distribution of the jackpot and the reset amount so that both patrons would come away in the same hypothetical with an even split of the jackpot and even split of the reset amount so both walking away with a winning of $60,000. And so with that, we would like the, we would like the licensees to uniformly offer that equity distribution, excuse me, and also submit to the commission, those protocols and policies that would govern that process, taking place. And I will. So, this happened. Have we had a circumstance of the licensee who does not function this way have we had an issue at all. Yeah, no, no, it hasn't happened. The probability of winning it once this hard to do. We just wanted to avoid if it did happen being faced with this. Right. Okay. Great. Any other questions on this one commissioners. When you make the kind of a change for Judy. I understand we, we have the rules changing. Is there any kind of a public service announcement or anything like that to, or a certain amount of time where that the change in a rule like that is highlighted. Or does it just happen in the rules and it's not really a rule change for the game per se. It's just a minute payout of what would happen. And we have one casino handling it one way. And in our review of the submissions we noticed the other casino was doing it the other way. Kathy sat down at a table and you were in the first seat and I was in the third seat. And if you both won, you would get the big jackpot simply because you sat in the first seat. So we were just trying to make it that round of play fair for the two people. Right, I understand the equity I was just wondering in terms of. I know this doesn't happen very often so it wouldn't be a surprise. But if I just wondered if how these kinds of changes get communicated. The communication plan farmer a former commissioner commissioner Stevens love to talk about, what's the communication plan. I think I know what you're getting at the commission does have a separate reg within 147 that details patron notice specifically and I couldn't be wrong on this off the top of my head so please feel to correct, feel free to correct me Tom carry and I do feel that it's 143. I'm sorry 147.03 it deals with patron notice and how often the licensing needs to notice the patron of a change. I don't want to speak out of pocket but I think that that would be where we find our answer. I do feel that it's, it's roughly, you know, 30 minutes before a start of gameplay, although as Burke says this is not a change to a specific will game it's more about change to how per person, excuse me, progressive wager policies are implemented so I see. Yeah. Thank you, the red I see you did light up. Yeah, I did but Judith really said everything that I could have thought to say better than I probably would have said it so. So thank you. Thanks okay really helpful thank you. And you knew the number off the top of your head. I don't know what I ate for breakfast this morning so ever since there's a trade off. Well whatever it was share later. Okay. Good. Well, thank you. Anything else commissioners. Okay. So we have the floor. I'm right on that right it is for three correct and the accompanying small business impact statement pages 49 and 50. Yeah, and this would start the promulgation process, and it would go into have a commentary right. Right well from here, we would need to submit these amendments to the LG AC, they would stay there for approximately 14 business days, or calendar days I may be wrong on that one. And so there is there is a lengthy period of time here and more time that we could add to this process of the commission so desires but once we do announce the hearing date. We have those 21 days before the commission can vote to finalize these changes. So I would anticipate with the entire process and I do apologize my share point is acting up this morning so I don't have the calendar in front of me. I would estimate things being formalized or finalized. In October. Good start. All right. Thank you very much. Thanks. Do you have any further questions for Judith there. Not on Judy, sounds great. Great job. And I would be ready to make a move if you were. Allow me to do that, madam chair. Yeah, I just want to make sure. Judy you heard commissioner Hill, say great job. I would move that the commission approve a small business impact statement and the amendments to 205 CMR 138.2 138.05 138.07 and 138.62 all as reflected in the commissioners packet and discussed here today. And further that the staff be authorized to take the steps necessary to file the required documentation with the secretary of the Commonwealth and proceed with the regulation promulgation process. Second. Any further discussion. Okay. Mr. Brian. Hi. Mr. Hill. Hi. Mr. Skinner. I vote yes for zero. Great. Good work. Thank you so much. Thank you, commissioners. Right commissioners. It's 10 after 11. Legal is complete. And now we're about to have our presentation from Long and Mark and game sense. Would you like to take a brief, a brief minute. Before we move on. I just lost all my faces. Sorry. I would like to have a share. If that's okay. Thanks, thanks commissioner Skinner because I couldn't see anyone's faces so it is right now 1110. What if we reconvene at about 1125. Okay, 1125 it is. Thank you for those at game sense. I will just fold you for a couple of minutes. Thank you. Okay. We are reconvening meeting number 384 Dave I think we're all set. Thank you so much. Also. Thank you. Good morning, Amy. I see you right there. Nice to see you. As well. Thank you. Okay, we'll get started. Because we're on virtual platform. I'll just confirm everybody's here. Commissioner Brian. I am here. Great. Commissioner Hill. And commissioner Skinner. And here. Great. We're all set. Good morning. Thank you for waiting briefly while we just collected ourselves. Mark, I'll turn it over to you in long. Thank you. Great. Good morning, Madam chair. Good morning, commissioners. I'm actually going to just turn this right on over to long to introduce the game sense team and get them started on the quarter of a report. So long. Morning. Morning. The extent of gaming. Is the number of. Implementation of expanded gaming, including the prevention of and mitigation of social impacts and costs. Chapter 23 K section. For independent substance abuse, also gambling and mental health counseling service and establish a program to train gaming employees in identification of an intervention with customers exhibiting problem gaming behavior to fulfill this mandate. The commission adopted game sense and innovative responsive gaming program that equips casino patrons because to gamble with the information information and tools to adopt positive play behaviors and offers resources to individuals in distress from gambling related harm. The commission has a contract with the Massachusetts Council on gaming and health to operate the game sense information centers located on site at all Massachusetts casinos and staff 16 to 24 hours daily by trained game sense advisors. The mass Massachusetts Council on gaming and health staff, Marlene Warner, executive director, Chelsea Turner, director responsible gambling, Phil Sherwood, director of communications and marketing and Amy Gabriella senior game sense advisor will share with with you game sense activities and highlights from the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022. So I have the honor to introduce Chelsea Turner, director of responsible gaming. To start. Good afternoon. Madam chair and other commissioners, I thank you all for indulging us with a little bit of your time today we know that we tend to want to talk a lot, because we love coming before you. But today we're going to try to keep our remarks to a half an hour so with that said, thank you and in here we go. Next slide. Thanks Chelsea. So today we're going to cover a bunch of things I'm going to start by just giving you the sort of year and numbers by property. I'm going to leave the play my way specifics to Amy, who's also going to talk about some of the activities that we're running at each of the properties that are, you know, unique to this time of year. So one of the different things that we're doing, then she will talk about our excellence awards. Then she will turn it over to Phil Sherwood, who will talk a little bit about a video. It's not a game sense video it's a mass council video, but it came out so good we just kind of have to share it with you it's a regarding from gambling and I think one of the coolest things we produced in a while. So live chat he's going to talk to you about live chat where we're at on that. Marlene will finish it off by talking about sort of where we've been over the course of last year where we're going in FY 23. And of course how excited we are to be hosting the NCPG conference right in our hometown of Boston. Next week. Next slide. So here we're looking at the on court Boston harbor numbers and I won't focus too much on the quarterly because you guys have time to go back and look at them of course you can ask me questions at the end if you'd like. But if you look at the year and totals they're really truly remarkable. If you look at the demonstrations and exchanges. As you know those are the media exchanges, where we're talking about game sense where we're talking about how to budget properly how we're talking about how to game safely, or where we're going to see those numbers are up huge 17,000 almost 17,500 demonstrations this year huge jump over last year 11,000. And while the exchanges are down slightly, the demonstrations are up so much that the net effect of that is incredibly positive. So the number I really want to focus on is the VSE number as you can set can see here, big increase in VSEs year over year. It's not entirely apples to apples because of the pandemic and coming out of the sort of the new normal that we're living in now, but it does have an idea about some of the efforts I think that have helped us to get that number up. We are now as you all know, offering our VSEs 24 seven. We had 36 overnight VSEs on core last year, we had 74 that we conducted remotely, and 20 of them were initiated by live chat so those efforts to sort of really evolve our VSE program have yielded I think very positive results. Next slide and I'm happy to answer any questions about specifics but I'm trying to be sensitive to the time and really point out the highlights. If you look at MGM again fantastic numbers across the board, literally over double the number of demonstrations year over year, double the number of exchanges year over the year I don't think you can ask for much more. And then VSE is not as as high up as EBH when you're looking at percentage wise but still a significant bump 13 VSEs were conducted remotely six by live chat. The EBH is numbers on remote VSEs are going to be higher because in the beginning, mostly EBH was running them now all properties are doing remote VSEs and the other reason is because EBH is the one casino this open 24 hours. I'm not going to talk about play my way as I said Amy will talk about that. Next slide.  And then if you look at the VSE is also up and a little bit more significantly here. Nine were initiated by remote remotely and nine came in through live chat so really I think outstanding numbers across all properties in terms of our efforts year over year and happy to share share that with you today. Amy. Next slide. All right, so first and foremost, I'm not muted so I've already won today, but I got through that without getting a button. So, fantastic. As always, thank you for letting me share today it's always a pleasure to be with you guys. Hey, my way updates so at MGM Springfield we're a little over three months in. So we're still the baby in the group. I just got some numbers about an hour ago from Sandra and slots. As of about an hour ago we have 2371 active enrollees. To me, the greater thing is only 139 folks have unenrolled so that's under 6%. So not only are people, you know, signing up with their sticking with it we've had folks come over ask questions change their budgets maybe, you know look into things but people are generally sticking with this as well as sticking with, you know, taking advantage of that food credit. So that's something that I'm very proud of. We're going to continue with this. And again, it's something that we've got a lot of praise over a lot of folks more folks than I would have thought are coming over and saying this is great. Like this is great that you have this. So we're going to, you know, carry the torch and keep going. We've definitely been in talks with encore about what we've done leading up to play my way and what we're doing so hopefully that'll be a successful roll out as well. And just a heads up hands. Little clapping for Plain Ridge Park. Some info I got this morning so in just over six years. 24,500 enrollees. And we love to see it MGM, because, you know, that's something that we're going to want to emulate. So over a long period of time they've been able to sustain this with the cooperation and collaboration of Plain Ridge Park and their leadership. And we hope to do the same thing at MGM. I mean I think in the set and you know since this came out in 2016 I was a part of that this this is a great program and people really are taking advantage of this so we're going to keep going. Next slide. Alright game sense and action so what are we up to we're always up to something there's always something going on and I know this little brain and everybody else's. So one of the new activities that we are running right now at MGM. It's actually word scramble not word all my, does everybody know what wordal is.  What I wanted again we don't want to reinvent the wheel here the messaging the stuff we want to get out but we do want to think of new and creative ways to get it out because we don't want anything to get stale. So I came up with basically a word scramble game that we put on our monitor. This is all very simple. Same game sense messaging but I've also incorporated LRGG and positive play messaging in because as we get that new research, we want to incorporate it in and we always will. And this has been you know this is one of those things I did kind of off cough and was just like let's see what happens. This has been remarkably successful. People are eating this up. I'm so pleased they you know a lot of times will ask people one question maybe two and they're ready to move on people want to play this whole game. You know and right now I've got about 20 questions on there that deal with RG, and I'm hoping by RGM month, we will, you know I'll get a bunch more and we'll incorporate it into that. So that's what we got going on MGM right now. I was lucky enough in June to take part in the Pride Parade the first inaugural Pride Parade in Springfield and got to join the MGM team there. You see the picture there. So I'm so happy to you know be invited to join them and and and be a part of that obviously that that is something very personal to me and it was very exciting to see Chris Kelly and a lot of the leadership at MGM being involved with that. As you all probably know our center is moving only about 30 yards down the road but we are moving. So if anybody wants to help move stuff up pizza and beers on me. We are we are moving actually they currently just took off our first door in the closet today so they're they're starting to move some things over. We got a little brief view of that this morning they took me through and this coming Friday we have a larger contingency coming over including long and Mark and Marlene I believe and Chelsea. So we'll get a look at that and be able to put our feedback in MGM's been fabulous about getting our feedback and you know seeing how we want things so we can get this done right. So that's fantastic should be moving sometime in August, give or take I mean obviously depending on how things go but that's the plan. We are continuing our augmented reality at the centers we're weaving in and out with other activities depending on what's going on. It's one of those things where, especially the younger folks are definitely interested in this and the technology and how it works sometimes the older folks might think it's more of a game and they're a little bit confused but this has definitely been something that if people, you know latch on to it we can really get into a nice discussion about some of the house edges on, you know the more common games blackjack roulette and slots and just be able to explain to folks how this works and at the end the messaging is always come play what you enjoy, have fun, set a budget, and just understand that you know there are house edges to these games. I think it was Chris at EVH came out with a fabulous wouldn't call it a game it's almost like we have a virtual swag wheel that we let people spin at MGM and whatever they stop on they get a prize whether it's a pen or, or a lunchbox or this is kind of a spin on that but a really, really creative cool one in which he has nine horses and you pick a horse one through nine whichever one you think is going to win the race do you guys remember the carnivals when you were younger with the squirt funds and the horses moved across and you, you had to be the winner to get the prize they had it with clowns to it's kind of the same thing. You're, you get to actually hear the music and see the horses move across the screen and then we have our three winners are winner or place, if your horse places you get a prize so it's kind of showing the randomness. I'm just like the swag wheel does but in a much more kind of creative and fun way where people kind of get jazzed up and see the horses move it's very, very cool if you haven't seen it. I would definitely find a way to check that out. We have also collaborated with Suffolk Downs and Radom, which is fantastic we have had our senior GSAs Lin Ho and Ken Averill go over there and give presentations on RG and Game Sense to staff. They were very into it they were excited to have it and I do believe that those collaborations are planning on continuing. So just the fact that we've gotten out into those atmospheres into the racing atmospheres and make connections with those folks is fantastic. Next, my favorite part the Game Sense Excellence Awards. So we do this every quarter as you know and the idea is to recognize casino employees at all three properties that you know embody the game sense messaging that embrace responsible gambling, you know that collaborate well with us. So at EVH this month or this quarter excuse me. We have Rose Pulima who's a table games dealer who, you know at one point had different players at her tables that were saying you know they're frustrated they never walked away with money. And because she really connected with the game sense staff and understands the program she was able to speak to them a little bit about this, and then when gaming, when game sense came over she felt very comfortable talking with us about her frustrations after she has spoken with the dealer And Ali from planning apparently was instrumental in helping out with the new storage for game sense she was always available, updated everything help with the designing and the shelves. She was always in constant communication with our leaders over there at EVH and really created a very help create a very nice space for us so that we can do our jobs, the way we want to and have what we need. And we have Alvin Gonzalez and security, who is always going above and beyond to direct folks to game sense he really understands our program and our staff, and really is very good at making that first, you know initial interaction, and talking to folks about us and setting the stage for you know us to be able to talk with people he has also helped up out when we have not had a Spanish speaking game sense officer on duty at the time by translating so fantastic work from the EVH folks. Here at MGM Brad Larson, he's a dinosaur I've known him forever from back at Fox Woods table games guy who really was one of those guys, you know that it took a little bit for him to get into game sense because he comes from the old school and now he is just the biggest ambassador of this, he knows what we do he's always asking us for updates what are you guys into. He knows everything about play my way even though he's in table games because that certainly can carry over so just always on our side and wanting to understand what we do so we can share with players. We have Caesar Torres who is a table games pit manager, who actually a couple weeks ago, very kindly and graciously and with respect walked over player, who I then spent about an hour with to do a voluntary self exclusion. He's been with me from the beginning when we before we even open doing game sense trainings, so he's always always embraced us and continues to do so. And we have Sandra Torres and slots who was instrumental in the training for play my way and rolling it out. I can call her on a dime I did it this morning and said hey give me some numbers so I can. What cool at the meeting and she had him out to me in five minutes, always kind, always respectful, always willing, you know to make sure we have what we need and I'm very grateful at Clean Ridge Park. We have Jeff Levitt in security. He's been a great employee at PPC he's super helpful when people need any help at the machines for any reason at all. He's always asking about what game sense does and making sure he's up to date on anything we're into. And he always wants to know about our job and you know how we approach patrons so he can do it better. We have Fonda honey caught in food and beverage, who's an energetic and amazing beverage server with crazy energy the customer service is just out of this world. She's got a very close connected connection with the patrons and has come to game sense multiple times when she sees anything that is worrisome. You know to make sure that we're aware that somebody might be struggling and just just giving us the heads up so that we might be able to make a connection with the patron. We have Robert for debt of security. He's all again always asking how he can better engage with patrons that fits into the game sense messaging. And he will always refer and get folks to us when in need. And he's definitely important liaison in between, you know, the patrons and us and we appreciate these folks more than you could ever imagine and Madam chair just so you know, if you don't already. So that really could use some ups and some kindness right now I want you to understand just how much your personal note means to these folks. I mean, when I tell you I have had people literally have a tear come down and say, This is amazing I'm going to put this on my resume I can't believe somebody of that status is is recognizing me so again in a world where we're looking for anything to kind of give us a smile I can understand just how much this means to these folks and just how much it means to us as game sense that you can take the time to do that. So thank you very much. See me. Hi, my name's Phil and good morning or almost afternoon Madam chair and commissioners I have a four minute video to show you and then maybe a 30 second update on live chat if I have time. We like to use personal stories to for advocacy to educate the public generate awareness and to reduce stigma and recently we assembled what we call a whiteboard video telling Jane story now Jane is an individual that's very close to the Council does some wonderful I'm not using their real name to protect their identity, but we're very grateful that they're willing to share the story and we hope to use more graphics and video like this in the future. So without further ado, I will play turning 40, I had the big three love who you're with love where you live and love what you do. I've been sober for a few years at that point. My father was a recovering alcoholic and I knew that was in my DNA. But here's the thing, I hadn't gone into recovery. I went to three alcoholics anonymous meetings, and I was done. I never unpacked why I drink so much or smoked so many cigarettes. I never considered why more was never enough for me. Unfortunately, I soon found a different high through slot machines. I started playing at a casino during a conference for work, and I won. I got the thrill into my system right away. Addiction is a progressive disease, no matter if it's gambling, smoking or anything else. Because I didn't seek recovery for drinking, my gambling started at a higher level, which became dangerous. I started gambling full out. After six months of intense gambling, I was playing $100 slots. I went through all the money I could find. My home equity loan, credit cards, I maxed out everything. When you're struggling with problematic gambling, you don't care about anything or anybody. All I wanted to do was sit at the machine and escape whatever worries I had. Money was the drug, and gambling was how I got high. I did the unthinkable to get more money, even stealing from my employer whom I loved. When I got caught, things went downhill from there. I was fired and ultimately sentenced to prison time. The hardest part was telling my family. They had no idea. The shame, the embarrassment, the guilt all set in. I had betrayed them. I started going to AA meetings again, but couldn't face gamblers anonymous yet. When I finally did go to GA, I came in tears. I was a complete wreck, but the folks there got me. They offered me understanding, unconditional love and support. I learned that while I had a disease, I wasn't crazy. There was hope. I ended up serving 20 months in prison. That was hell, but I got through it. I tried to stay positive and draw on the takeaways from the GA meetings. I had a lot of time to reflect, too. I realized that the only way to start gaining back self-respect and anyone else's was an honest effort at recovery. That's when I started taking things seriously. Upon my release, my history of problem gambling and puzzlement followed me, creating new challenges. I was incredibly fortunate to find housing and a new job. Today, I use my past as a focusing point. You remember the pain and what you did because that helps you remain in the present. With relationships, some hurt may always be there. I still am digging out from financial issues. From the day I got fired until this is resolved, it'll be about 10 years if I'm fortunate. I believe the best way to move forward is to live with honesty, integrity, accept responsibility, make amends, and pay it forward. I still go to weekly GA meetings, seeing people like me who have embezzled, served time, and hurt loved ones, but are back on their feet, continues to ground and motivate me. My work involves working with those struggling with problematic gambling. I've seen that for someone to go into true recovery from any addiction, they have to do it for themselves. That's the intrinsic motivation when you're tested and triggered. So, if you or a loved one is struggling with gambling, focus on the recovery, not just stopping the behavior. Do the follow-through and find resources, whether that's counseling, group work, a 12-step program, a faith-based program, reading books, etc. There are many pathways to recovery, as long as it's healthy and works for you. Break your recovery journey into tiny steps, find support, maintain a positive attitude, and take things one day, one hour at a time. So there you have it. And we look forward to doing similar videos that fall under problem gambling and responsible gambling. We feel like that medium is a real effective way to reach people. And really quickly, because I know we're short for time, wanted to give you an update on live chat. In this fourth quarter, we had 94 live chats. 49 were related to voluntary self-exclusion. About six, we would categorize as problem gambling, and 39 were just general info, rules of the game. Minister Casino opened till questions like that. Previously, over the fiscal year, we've had 329 live chats, 148 were VSE related, 51 would be categorized as problem gambling, and 230 would be general info. So this continues to be a success and pick up on pace month to month. So without further ado, I'd like to pick it over to Marlene Warner. Thanks, Phil. I'm actually going to fill. Have you skipped this slide and just go to the next one, please, for the sake of time. Commissioner, thank you for the opportunity. And one of the things I want to say is thank you for the opportunity to come to you quarterly. We all really enjoy doing this. And so that last slide, it was a review of where we've been. We've had the opportunity to come and share that with you. So let's just talk about where we're going. And these last few moments we have. So responsible gambling education week has turned to a month. So all of September, we will be doing efforts, primarily patron facing in collaboration with the MGC, of course, but also with the casino licensees. The gift responsibly campaign, which used to be the holiday campaign is something that is actually now year round and talking to folks about lottery products and making sure that folks know they're not appropriate for children and understanding when and where they are appropriate. Obviously, given the casinos are lottery agents, it's something that we like to talk to the patrons about. Typical things, problem gambling awareness month. You know, play my way. I mean, Amy did a really nice job talking about the numbers and how they've been growing and we hope to continue to see how we can incite excitement and understanding and education around that at all three properties. But certainly, you know, with the rollout of play my way in September at at EVH. We have a big evaluation coming up, or actually I should say kind of underway and I know Mark and like I've been reporting to all of you about that. We don't know what will hold in terms of sports betting but we're trying to be as prepared as we can with the information we have and so spending a lot of time training staff thinking about exercises and activities, doing all that. I think we've talked a little bit more about, you know, one of the things we're trying to do is figure out how to get that comfortable for our game sense advisors, and then a lot of these other things, activities, celebrations, reports, newsletters, trainings, very typical but things that are so key and important to the success of our team. Our team has also been going out on buses and talking with patrons but also just kind of reading the room and seeing what folks need in terms of education. Before they get on the bus, while they're on the bus, when they get off the bus, so we can better serve patrons in that sense. And then we're always trying to keep our team well developed in terms of content. Mental Health First Aid has been a big success this year, something Amy kicked off and Aisha has continued, but certainly sports gambling and other areas we've been trying to develop there. I would be remiss to not talk about this big conference that we have. As reported yesterday afternoon at two o'clock, they had 625 people registered. We are now hitting, I think, firecooked capacity at the western seaport. That's good and bad news, as you might imagine. So we are very excited about that. Here's a long list of all the ways that our staff, the gaming commission staff, and all of our key stakeholders in Massachusetts are going to be involved. There was a pre-conference that was done digitally online in June that went very well where Phil and Odessa were able to present around foundations and gaming disorder and then Phil and Ray did a very successful presentation and kind of engaging presentation on a remote voluntary self-exclusion. A lot of folks are asking us a lot of questions about that, wanting to know how they could do something similar in their jurisdictions and states. And then like I said, that long list really shows the breath in depth of knowledge and an activity here in Massachusetts and that we're really proud to display on a national stage. But I am going to wrap it up and say thank you to all of the commissioners and see if there's any questions for myself or any of the terrific team members I have here with me today. Well, you are remarkably on time and it was such an engaging presentation. So thank you. I want to thank each of you for the contribution you made. And each brings such an important perspective. Commissioners, what questions do you have for Marlene and team? I don't have any questions, but I would like to say I'm going to look forward to what we're going to be doing in FY23. There's been a lot of talk and a lot of collaborations with other agencies in the Commonwealth that I think we're going to try and hook up with you folks and have bigger partnerships and we are already doing. I'm looking forward to those conversations and programs and things that we can do for people with problem gaming. So great job and great report as always, but even better, I think things are going to be bigger and better in FY23. Commissioner O'Brien? Commissioner Skinner? Commissioner Skinner? Just echoing Commissioner Hill's sentiments, great presentation. Really pleased with the increase in the numbers for your interactions. You know, I share your excitement about that. Just the specific question I have about the charts on the interactions. So on core, you have a subcategory for VSCs overnight that doesn't appear on the other licensee charts. Can you just kind of speak to that? Yeah. Generally what's that about? The only center that's open overnight is on core. We close at 1am and reopen at 9am at both PPC and MGM. And we started that actually right after the pandemic. It was a need that our staff saw. And now the fact that we're doing it, we're seeing really good results. And there's definitely a need during those hours. So it's great. Now what can happen is even though we're not open 24 hours at PPC or MGM, we can do those VSCs remotely. So it's because on core is always stopped. Thank you. The other question I had actually it's more of just a comment. I really enjoyed the video. Very impactful. It's a great story. And it really gets the message out nicely that there is hope and there is help available to individuals who are struggling. So looking forward to seeing more of that. Thank you. Michelle Bryan. Thank you, Madam Chair. As usual, this is one of the better topics you see on the agenda because it's always makes you feel pretty good about what we're doing. The stats are pretty impressive. And I don't want to diminish at all when I asked this question. But was there a sense of the people that unenrolled from why they were doing it? Like, did you see a trend? Do you learn anything from looking at that group that unenrolled? Do you want me to go here? Yeah, go ahead, Aimee. So unfortunately, we don't always do the unenrollment. So we and I don't have they do have a dropdown in which they have to choose one reason. I don't have that data from the folks that we have personally that have come to the center to unenroll. Most of them want the anonymity. They don't, you just don't want to be tracked. A lot of folks we've had come and adjust their budgets, which is they stay in the program. They've just decided, okay, I did something unrealistic here. Can we do this? But as far as why they're unenrolling, the most that we've gotten from the center is I just, two things. Either I just want to play anonymously or I don't need this have been the two things. But I would love to see in long. I'm not sure how we do this or if we can to see what that data is when they do it on the machine, what their reasoning is. Actually, if I could chime in on that, we actually have an evaluation currently in the way of the play my way program that at MGM done with a third party Carlton University led by Dr. Michael Wall funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming. I think it's a really important question, Commissioner O'Brien. And just in terms of where are we now and how can we improve this program going forward, especially as we as we seek to expand expand it. So we will have more information. We will, that will be, you know, will be driven by that evidence. All right, great. Thank you. Thanks for everything you do. Again, it's always great to hear from you guys. Yes, I have just a couple of a comment and a follow up Amy, wanting to make sure I understood. You said it was the first with respect to pride month and pride parade. Can you just say remind us what the first was the first parade or the first time MGM was present in the parade. The parade on June 4 and Springfield was the first ever pride parade to take place in the city of Springfield. My gracious that is good news, huh. It was pretty exciting and MGM allowed me to join their little group there and it was brought a little bit of a tier to my I am not going to lie being part of the first one and being with an operator that is definitely inclusive and you know, wanted me to was was glad that I was a part of it was fantastic. You know what that's exciting so that's just really an interesting fact I'm glad I got the clarification that's what I thought I heard Amy and I was kind of surprised. And thank you for pointing out that Chris Kelly was right there along with you all. I know how much he supports inclusion and and of course, wonderful for you to be part of that effort. So really really nice celebration. And then the only other question I had know it's more common to just want note to remind all of us that Massachusetts really is a leader in this space. And it's a credit to of course lawmakers that had the vision that they had 10 years ago. And recognizing the important responsible gaming we know right now, these issues are being wrestled with by legislators 10 years later. No doubt thoughtfully, but we're able to shine much because of marks leadership and long straight work. But we have a key and important partner in all of you that Council Marlene with your leadership. And of course, the leadership extends beyond game sense and we know that we know that you're making it better. For all those who are participating in gambling in Massachusetts so we thank you for your leadership. Thank you. Thank you. Amy it's great to see you. And thank you to Phil for showing the video like Commissioner Skinner. It really. The story is compelling. I think the way it's done just really keeps you focused so well done. Thanks everyone just anything else with these folks. We appreciate the time. Thank you. Thank you. All right, so I'm moving on to item number seven and I see Heather hall there and Loretta Lilios. And we're going to go now to the civil penalties and fine process and in our packets. We have both the original memo that was presented and then the policy that was attached that at that meeting earlier. And thank you for the one pager, it really makes a difference. You want to get started. Sure. Thank you. I also just want to say it's hard to follow the game sense team. They do such an excellent job. So I just want to give a little shout out to them. Heather, that's a fair comment. Yeah, but you do great to appreciate that. So chair commissioner, thank you. As you know, we're here today to discuss the draft policy regarding the assessment of civil administrative penalties, which is at page 80 of your packets. And just as a reminder, at the end of April, as the chair noted, we discussed the memorandum regarding the process for the assessment of civil administrative penalties. And essentially how the addresses non compliance matters more broadly in that particular memorandum is at 69 of the packet. So just by way of recapping with respect to the memorandum we reviewed and discussed at the meeting that we have previously the statutory and regulatory framework that the IEB follows when we're addressing non compliance issues. We talked about how the IEB becomes aware of non compliance issues and the different sources of information that we rely on the requirement under 23 K section 36 that we provide fair notice before assessing a fine, except in very limited circumstances. And we also discussed that the overall objective of the IEB monitoring and enforcement function is compliance. We went through the different escalating enforcement measures with the commissioners, which started with verbal notification by gaming agents, the follow up email issuance of non compliance forms or NCFs that are issued by the gaming agents division. We also discussed notices of non compliance that are issued by the chief enforcement counsel's office. And then finally the assessment of civil administrative penalties. When we discussed how the IEB reaches the appropriate dollar amounts when it assesses a fine. We noted that it's an intensively fact specific inquiry. And there are several factors that the IEB considers including the level of seriousness of the non compliance, the potential impact on the integrity of gaming and public safety, the number and degree of prior similar instances of non compliance. Opportunities that the licensee or registrant had to rectify the non compliance and if they failed to do so and any mitigating information. And I think after we discussed the IEB's memorandum, we then briefly talked about the IEB draft policy regarding its assessment of civil administrative penalties. And one of the issues that came up in that discussion was the consideration of prior fines issued for similar non compliance. And the dollar amounts and any circumstances that may warrant a larger or smaller amount for a subsequent fine. And we did adjust the policy to reflect that consideration and that has been redlined for ease of reference for the commissioners. And by way of example, with respect to a circumstance where the IEB issued a fine and then subsequently later on issue to find that was for a lesser amount. We had in May of 2019 the IEB issued a fine to a licensee for $100,000 for allowing underage individuals on the casino floor. That fine was issued to address what the IEB determined was essentially a systematic problem of continued non compliance over a period of approximately eight months. After that, the IEB subsequently issued a fine for similar non compliance to the same licensee about two years later in March of 2021. But the amount of the fine was $18,000 in that circumstance, which was obviously significantly lower than the 2019 fine. And if I recall correctly, one of the commissioners, I think it was Commissioner O'Brien had asked about that circumstance. And so by way of follow up to that question, the subsequent fine was less in amount for a few reasons. First of all, there were far fewer instances in the 2021 assessment. And I think it was essentially three instances that were addressed in 2021 versus approximately 50 leading up to over the course of several months leading up to the fine that was assessed in 2019. And the, you know, the licensee in 2021 had taken steps to address the issue of underage persons accessing the gaming floor. They implemented tips training for all personnel. They instituted pre shift meetings, reiterating company policy about verifying age. They also installed a handrail barrier in high traffic areas. And there were also some issues in that particular timeframe that were related to underage individuals wearing masks. I think that contributed to the non compliance. So that's just kind of a follow up to what I think was Commissioner O'Brien's question and the kind of reasoning behind why we adjusted the policy to reflect that there may be certain circumstances, depending on a lot of different factors where the IEB might issue a fine and then subsequently issue a fine that's less in an amount. And I know that, you know, we continue to see these issues with underage persons accessing the gaming floor. We will continue to work through these issues with the licensees and take appropriate enforcement actions, keeping in mind that our overall goal is always compliance. So with respect to the IEB draft policy that's in your packets today, you know, we welcome any feedback that commissioners might have and are here to answer questions. I don't know if we actually need to vote or it can just go on consensus, but I'll defer to you all as to how you'd like to approach it. I think we are planning on a formal adoption of this as a policy, unless we choose otherwise commissioners. Questions for Heather and Loretta? Commissioner O'Brien, are you leaning in? I'll go ahead with a couple. I have a couple suggested edits. Commissioner Skinner, did you want to move first? No, I wanted to just clarify that the inquiry about the repeat fines was mine and I am satisfied with the additional language that you included in the policy. So thank you, Heather. That's great. Thank you, Commissioner Skinner and apologies for my misremembering that. No worries. Julie noted for the minutes. Commissioner Hill, do you have any questions before I give a couple? Okay, these are just one. I'm looking at page, Heather, page 81 of the packet. So it's the second bullet. The second complete bullet. So notice of intent. At the conclusion you say ultimately this communication may lead to the IEB and the licensee reaching an agreement as to the amount of the civil administration penalty. So I just wanted to clarify because I remember I was brand new when the largest one, the $100,000 fine was issued and I remember going, whoa, I do not know anything about this process. But as it works out, IEB, if I'm to be clear, correct me, right, has a give and take with the licensee about where they are with respect to noncompliance with respect to the issuance of a fine. And you learn from each other, it's a give and take and you may find some mitigating factors that reduce the amount that you might be suggesting. And then you come to an amount and it's likely that they agree because it is a negotiation. However, I think it's really important for our licensees to know that always they have the option of an appeal to the commission. Absolutely, chair. I, you know, that's completely true. And I would say just so a little bit more information with respect to the process. Yes, the IEB would issue a civil administrative penalty. We would issue a document that's referred to as a notice of intent. And in that notice, you know, we set forth what we are planning to do with respect to the fine and that that definitely provides the licensee or registrant with information that they have the right to appeal and the timeframe, etc. And that is the document that, and there certainly can be conversations that and have been conversations prior to the issuance of that type of document. But that often will spur, and I say often, you know, relatively speaking is we haven't issued very many fines. But that spurs conversation with the licensee or registrant. And then it's at that point that there may be an agreement, but absolutely, you're right. And, you know, they do have a right of appeal. And we do make every effort and we do inform them of that in writing and that in the notice of intent, which is the document that precedes the actual document that has the ultimate assessment in it. And Loretta, feel free to correct me if I'm missing anything here. Thanks, Heather. And, Chair, I think it's a statutory requirement that the licensee be informed of the review opportunities. But that's a good observation of yours that the policy, although our practice includes that the policy does not contain an explicit mention of that. But if I missed it, to be frank, Loretta, so I didn't miss it. So what if we just added it, right? Definitely. That sentence Loretta and Heather, I didn't mean to cut you off for it, but maybe if we even add at any point or any juncture, right? Or is there a certain exhaustion? Do you have to offer an amount and then reject it? Or at any stage, could they say we just would like to go to the commission? We put an amount out there and we basically asked, do we have all the facts right? Is there anything that you'd like to add to challenge the facts, to add more context to this or give us mitigating information? And that's a good practice. Our case law indicates that that's a good practice in the event that there ends up with an appeal to the commission. If the discourse leads to new information for us that leads to negotiating the amount down, there is a waiver. So if they agree to that, they waive their ability to appeal. Once the assessment is locked in, if it's not agreed to, there is a 21 day statutory timeframe for appeal. I'm trying to keep up, admittedly, a little bit behind. So I guess simply put, the day that they learned from the notice of intent that Heather explained that they received, that's after already getting the first notice of compliance, a non-compliance. So we get that, things don't go well. And you get to that point where now there's a notice of intent to impose the fine. Is there any point at any point in the process from then on, could they file an appeal or do they have to exhaust some part of an administrative remedy with you, an administrative action with you first? At any stage can they just say, you know what, we're not even sure we should be getting fined. We just want to go to the commission. Sure. Once they get the assessment, they have the right to the review to the commission. So the assessment as opposed to the notice of intent to assess? Correct. Just a quick FYI on that too. Loretta is absolutely right. If it's a licensee, they go to the commission, but if it's a registry, they would go to a hearing officer in the first instance. Oh, good point. Good point. But I think, Chair, I think you make a great point that we could certainly add that to the policy, the part about notifying of the timeframe. I think it's important, commissioners, I don't know how you feel, but I do think that a pilot right is important to include in the policy. You know, just to make sure that licensees are aware. Well, and also to make sure our people, whoever's implementing this know that that's a right to. So that was, is that good. And so I know we want to vote on this today so we can think about that language the second one I wanted to add The very end of Loretta and Heather of the last bullet on page 81, 82, I don't know if Carrie is still on, but she might have some language for us to You say that the And this is absolutely true. The IEB is mindful to do so at a time in a manner that will preserve the commissions impartiality because we have to think about The next line the IEB also is mindful to do so in a manner that will preserve the confidentiality of sensitive information, if any, can we add a clause something like in accordance with public records law and open meeting applicable laws or something to that effect. Because the issue around what's confidential or sensitive may mean something to our licensees that we can't really uphold under the legal structure. Thank you. So on the other one. So that one was a little bit easier. I packed my brain on the other one. Here are you okay with that kind of language. Yes, definitely. Yeah, is there anything you'd want to add. I can't think of anything off the top of my head but I'm happy to work with Loretta and Heather on the specific language to add there. Okay, and then on the other one, it could just be, you know, it could either be at separate point or just add it to the notice of intent to just at the end. Unless Nikesha, I mean, Brad, you have suggestions that you know any juncture, any point in time post whatever the licensee or has the ability to appeal to the commission and then the registrar to the hearing officer if you want to get that detailed. Or just somehow triggering appellate rights to the next stage. Mr. Skinner, Commissioner Bryan, Mr. Hill, do you have suggestions on that? Or do you debate it? Do you need for it? What kind of, is that reflected in any sort of penalty or fine that's imposed? Is that just notice included in that? Heather says it's in the notice of intent. The actual disposition, if there is something, is it in that? It would be, Commissioner, we actually with the small number of fines that we've already issued to date, they have all been agreed. But it would be. So it would be in the final disposition also. Correct. My point is, I guess my point, Eileen, is that I think it might be important to remind the licensees that they do have that right of appeal early on in the process too. Once they do sign up, they do waive that right of appeal. Right. So what I think it's, I think, I think, Chair, what you're suggesting is that in the first notice of intent on the fine that we set out what the appellate right is. And we do do that. And I think what, which I think maybe we just need to add that to the policy that we do, right? That's definitely done in the notice of intent. And then if they agree, then we're not going to say again, because they're waiving it if they're agreeing to it in the final assessment, if that makes any sense. I do say, and it's a statutory requirement in the agreed disposition, we do alert them in writing that they are waiving their right to a hearing by agreeing. So we do included, we do before they sign it, you know, they read that again. And I would be happy to at least have the policy reflect that there is further appellate. Right. And then maybe it is, when you say that they may lead to the IB and the licensee reaching agreement to the amount of the civil administrative penalty might want to add. With that comes a waiver of a right to appeal. And up until that time, up until that really that juncture, the licensee has the right to a administrative appeal to the full commission. I'm reading it right. I think that's right. I think that's right. Right. Yes. So I might eat the water here. I'm sorry. Appreciate the feedback. Commissioner Skinner, what do you think? Well, just chair to the language you're suggesting be added. Okay. Commissioner Brian. It sounds like it's in there by practice. I don't mind at all to just incorporate it in the policy. Commissioner Hill. Yeah. I'm fine with what you suggested. No problem here. Oh God, I don't even know how to do that as under reactions. There we are. We're a little bit, we're a little bit low late on the drawing board on that, you know, thanks. Okay. We got the thumbs up. And then we have the red line addition. Any, any other suggestions or we talked a lot about the last time that there's not a specific dollar amount. And I think I was very appreciative of going over that is so fact based at this juncture. It probably makes sense to not try to have any minimums or maximums, but we can revisit this over time as need be. So that's under the bullets that cross over between 81 and 82. Right. So if we are be comfortable having Heather and Loretta and carry as as needed. Make the changes reflect in the discussion and still go ahead and vote. Yes. Thanks. Okay, then I'll take a motion unless there's any further questions for HH and L now. Okay. Take a motion. I'm happy to move. Thanks, commissioner. I move that the commission approved the process and policy for assessment of civil administrative penalties, both as included in the commissioners packet and discussed here today. Excellent. There's a discussion. Mr. Brian. Hi, Mr. Hill. Hi. Mr. Skinner. Hi. And I vote yes for zero. Well done. Well done. Thank you so much. And again, appreciate the one page that set the stage for our discussion today. Very helpful. All right, then we have under commissioner updates, we have a couple of points and I have to say, I'm sure Brian with my being out on medical stuff last week and you being on vacation. I did send an inquiry to the independent monitor. But I realized, unless she's gotten back to us in real time. She did. Yeah, she just responded not too long ago. Have you been able to digest it? Oh, she's on. It's not, I mean it's not lengthy, but it's also not short. If you'd like, I can read just the substance. Okay. Okay. So we have it now in front of me. I think what we should do is just set the stage for the inquiry, right? Mr. Brian, do you want to do that? To the way that contract with the independent monitor set up. Brad, I think you were here the last time when they hit, they have estimates for the contract costs. I mean, if you scroll down a little bit, that includes Derek's nice background and it tells what the amount is. Right. So Derek, I think that's a good point. I mean, if you scroll down a little bit, that includes Derek's nice background and it tells what the amount is. Right. So Derek, very helpfully sent us what the actual dollar amounts were. We have invoices that are outstanding. So the chair and I had a conversation with. Alejandra a couple of weeks ago. Where we alerted them to the fact that they needed to once again delineate why it is that the numbers were off. But just so we're on the record with the full commission. I believe it's so if they exceed by greater than 15% in the fiscal year, which would be July 21 through July through June of 22. That. Was it as of June 27. Yeah. The law firm had billed 1.325912 for services running through. April 30th of 2022. Which was about $200,001 above their revised estimate that they had given us earlier in the year. And obviously we had the invoices still forthcoming for the last couple of months of that fiscal year. Can I just insert this? I mean, it's. So. In February of this year, she did provide us notice that the estimated annual budget under the original RFP of 775,000. Would be likely to be exceeded by that 15% for that period of July 20, 21 to July 2022. So she did. Then or say the notice would be 111,125,000. And now. So we got notice of that. And then when we started getting those invoices, that's when we wondered if it was exceeding again. 15%. Right. Of that. Just a number. Which. Is what you just pointed out. So now. Today's. Email she's. The reason for the cost exceeding the revised estimate are as follows. Do you want to go over that? I'm certainly. So. Alejandro submitted that three primary reasons for the overage, the first being that prior to the submission of the last report to the commission. And the second reason is that the commission was able to submit certain materials to the team. The commission was able to submit them to the committee when had submitted a position statement to the monitoring team questioning the basis of certain observations and conclusions that have been drawn in the report. Which required the team to review certain facts. Again, and then hold additional and unplanned, previously unplanned meetings for the company. Second, that the company had been delayed in submitting certain materials to the team. But then was able to submit them to the team. And then the commission was able to submit them to the committee. And then the commission was able to submit them to the committee. And then the commission was able to submit the prior. Redrafting at the relevant sections. And lastly, there was. You know, certain sensitivity and some of the observations that were. Mentioned in the report. And then there was silent briefings obviously given to us prior to. The public presentation. Which obviously required the team to come up with sort of a discussion. So that is the sum and substance of the reasons why they're once again facing this overage. And then she does in fact, attach the May invoice. And give the ballpark of June. So the main voice being about $11,000. And the anticipated soon to be finalized June invoice. Being about 18,700. So that would be. Outstanding right now. Eileen is the overage that she's giving us notice of. Is 200. Am I reading this right from Derek's notes, $200,912 and 39 cents. And I believe what she was intending to do also with that last paragraph was notify us of the last two invoices for this fiscal year. And the 11 and the 18 seven. So relatively small invoices. So that would be two, two hundred. Sorry for the, um, but. In real time math and we can push this over, but it's 200,000. So about 200, 1,000, then. Another. 18. So almost 30, so 29, seven. And one of the points to really pay attention to is she said, that does not include the invoices from Cromwell, the waiting for. I'm waiting for those too. So it could be anywhere from 30 to 50,000. You know, based on 200. On top of the 200 correct. Although. That his firm usually hasn't billed. As much of late. So I doubt the gap would be that significant. He's not been contributing to the billables quite as much. I mean, I was just looking at her 11,000 dollar one. Yeah. I mean, the 18,000 one saying, you know. They're finalizing them. Yeah, that may go up too. Right. I was just giving a gap so that we didn't have to come back. Right. Again, to, to discuss this. And another important part of this is the way the contract is written is they just have to notify us as long as they're not changing the work plan. Right. So they just have to notify us. With that said. With that said. We could still ask the independent monitor to come in to discuss billing. Absolutely. Right. We can ask them to come in and then we can change. We can see it. We're in a, we're in a bad timing now because it's the end of the year, but we could then come and say, well, we want to revise the work plan then we want to drop off these few things, but we're at a point right now where. The reports are written. That's what we've done in the past when this has happened is it's more Kathy and I have more frequent interactions with them about this, but the question of whether we as a body are comfortable with just the notice versus like you said, Derek, then having a deeper dive and saying, well, we want to change the work plan. That's why it comes out in front of all four of us at this point. Correct. So I'll let you guys discuss. I just wanted to add those points. So she did express her. Regrets it not being timely. So that's a lot to digest the, the general. The general principle here is that. That when we. We chose to do a competitive RFP, and it was commissioner Hill and commissioner Skinner, very competitive and thorough, thoroughly conducted, well conducted RFP process. This group was chosen and there is an outside amount. Right, Todd of what. They can bill for not withstanding this, correct. They. So that. And they haven't reached that amount. Correct. You're referring to the 15% on top of the projected. Well, the overall, the overall, when they bid on it, I think they bid on, I can't remember the amount. I think it's up to 5 million was it. Oh, um, I don't think it's a hard app as much as an estimate. For the five years. Yeah, we just have to, I have to go back and look at that. Yeah, that's correct because it was a time and materials. And what they said is for the first six months, we estimated it to be this many hours. And then we extrapolate this amount. And then we anticipate the similar level of effort for a future years. For as the six month time period. So that's basically what we had to put into the accounting system. So we had to, you know, We had to carry it out from year to year. We have to put a commitment in for each year, but it is a time and materials. Rate. So it's, it's more along the hourly rate. Seven hundred and 75,000 plus 15%. And in the first six months, we exceeded. That first seven 75 too. So, you know, we've been having a lot of discussion behind what we are. And to be one. Some of this comes out by. Depending on how compliant and how quickly compliant the licensee has been. You know, and this has been a recurring theme as we go through. So we could dirt to your point, maybe revise. For what would be the last couple of years, potentially this, but, or we could keep coming back if they continue to behave this way and or other reasons cause costs. So, you know, Commissioner Skinner, commissioner Hill, what are you thinking? I know this is not. But right now the overage. They in, in February. Before commissioner Skinner was on board. They did give us the proper timely notice. This is an untimely notice. So we will mention that to the independent monitor. But now they are over. So. Let's, let's estimate. 250,000 right to 30. To 50. And they've given three reasons that commissioner O'Brien's noted and sent our email. At this stage. They are not operating outside of the work plan. So they don't have to do anything more. But we could ask for an X. We could ask them to come in and explain what. What they're up to the work plan going forward and. Concerns about costs. No concerns about costs. Message to the licensee that we want to help them. Not have to pay for expanded costs. Anyway, the options are. Multiple. So commissioner Hill, commissioner Skinner. Questions. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I saw in Akisha. First. I missed it. Sorry. Oh, it's okay. And I was happy to defer it. But. I don't have a great grasp of. You know, the costs associated with the independent monitor and the budget and all that. Notwithstanding the untimely notice. I think the reasons. Are justifiable. So I'm not going to, you know, Try to poke holes in those. I mean, I'm not. As close to this matter as either you, Eileen, or you Kathy. So I'm. For this instance, I'm okay with just. You know, moving forward as, as you have always done relative to this, these matters. So I'm always for having them come before us and updating us anytime. I think that's a good policy to have. And did you want a regular basis? I think commissioner O'Brien actually. Was as blunt as I was going to be in why these funds have gone up. And what I was thinking throughout the presentation that you both gave. This is happening because a licensee is not giving the information in a timely factor. At least that's what I'm hearing. So I too, don't have any issue right now with our independent monitors budget, except again, for the untimely notice, that that's something that we can address with them, but it's being done of the excess amount of money is not because of the independent monitor itself. It's because of what they have to do in order to get the information out for a dialogue happening with the licensee. So with that said, I think that's a good point to have no issues with you two moving forward, but anytime we can bring the independent monitor in for updates is a good thing. Okay. So the way that the process works is that they do send their, maybe I've mentioned this before they send their invoices. I guess usually directly to me as the contract manager, and then I send them on to Todd and Eileen for further review. Before we green light them for Derek and team. So we have to have those matters. And I think it was at certain point in time that I just felt like maybe it was getting up to an amount that we needed to check here. So it sounds like with respect to these invoices, Derek, we have not paid those yet, right? We have not. We have not not paid them, but we have not sent them from reimbursement from the agency, correct? So we have not sent the, I think it's April one reimbursement. And we have not paid the April one because once we paid the March one, it exceeded the 1.125 and we didn't want to further compound that without this discussion first. So we haven't paid the April one yet. Yeah. So am I hearing that everyone's comfortable with at least the notice we've been given now to go ahead and get that one taken care of? And then maybe it makes sense. Commissioner Hill, to look at their schedule and our schedules and see if we get them on a, in an August meeting or a September meeting, just go over maybe their plan for what they're, what needs to be done in their independent monitor work plan. I think it's, I think it's, I think it's, I think it's based on the original work plan and whether there needs to be any adjustments, they may say none. We may feel otherwise, but maybe it's a good discussion to have. And then talk about timing too. There is, I think in September, I mean, it's year three, right? Yeah. I was going to say it's, we're just past the halfway point, really at the halfway point when you consider that the casinos were closed for COVID. I think it's, I think it's a good idea to determine whether we do need a revision of the work plan or not. So that sounds good. It might, maybe it ends up being a September meeting. Depending on, of course, August is looking like for us. And for the independent monitor and. The whole team there. All right. Does that all make sense? And we give the green light to Derek. Okay. Consensus or do we need to vote? I do. I've got this. Hey, Brad. Skinner. I actually kind of like it. Okay. That just laid up update. Commissioner Hill and crystal and, and, and, and Mills and Todd. Not going on. So let me talk first about what happened over the past weekend. With the National Council of legislators from gaming states. Opening statement Thursday night. But more importantly, chairman Jerry Paracella had a welcoming on Friday morning. And in his remarks, he suggested he was very optimistic that they could get something done. On sports betting by the end of the session. He didn't guarantee it by any stretch, but he was optimistic. So I just, that was publicly said at that meeting. And so I think I can share that. With all of you. And I also wanted just to let people know that the. The meeting was excellent. From what I can understand, it was the most highest rated. Conference of people coming from across the country. To Boston for this conference. There was a lot of great information that was shared with We had a lot of our staff from the mass gaming commission who attended all four days of the. Of that. Associations. Conference. And it couldn't have gone any better. In my opinion, but a lot of great information and. Piggy backing on what we heard in Maine. There are a lot of concerns that we as a commission are going to have to address. If and when we get sports betting. And my message in my remarks to them was that the legislators and the regulators have to work together. And we see that happening here in mass. And I think the message was loud and clear that. It needs to happen in other jurisdictions as well. That message was well received. In regard to that, I don't know if it's going to work. I don't know if it's going to work. I don't know if it's going to work. I don't know if it's going to work. I don't know if it's going to work. But I don't think it's going to work. I think that's one of the issues that the commission is well received. In regards to Massachusetts legislative update, there was something that happened very quickly last week. In the Massachusetts house. And I'm pulling it up right now. So you can just bear with me. For a moment. So it had to do. With a bill on veterans. House bill. but their family. And as part of that bill in section four, they would allow veteran organizations like VFW or AMVETs, things like that, to be able to offer up to three slot machines within their establishment. And of course, all the revenue would go to a nonprofit, dedicated nonprofit in their area. So I just wanted to bring that to your attention. I know in the past, this has been offered in the Senate and it was rejected. I don't know how they feel about it now, but if and when the veteran bill, House 4978 goes to a conference committee, this is now gonna be in play. So we just need to be aware of it. I reached out to a couple of staff members just to get a small sense of how we might be able to implement this should it come, and it would come before us, by the way, we would be the agency that would oversee it. And I was optimistic that it's something that we certainly are ready for and could address should that language make its way through the legislature. So, Crystal, did I forget anything? No, that was perfect. The only other thing we're... Before we move on to the next one, Crystal on the veterans one, I know that there's, I had sent an inquiry to a couple of you. We have a great deal of research that Mark has on, and I know that Crystal worked with earlier, a few years ago on the impact of gambling in veterans. And I wondered if it makes sense to, for Karen and Mark to perhaps send that information on veterans research that we've done, send it up now as it might be. I don't know what Karen is just smiling at. No, I had to tell them I'm in a public meeting. I got to distract.  So I wondered if it makes sense at this juncture to at least send an email, Karen, with Mark to just outline that research, because it might be helpful as they think about introducing slot machines in organizations. What do you think, commissioners? It's a thought I've had in... Yeah, in addition to that, I did also just wanna say for the record that while I have no doubt our staff could figure out regulating and overseeing a setup like that, I just wanted to make clear that that is not without challenges. And so I don't want there to be any misconstruing of people listening to our discussion today that this would be a seamless integration because there are absolutely challenges to that setup in addition to what you're talking about here, just the actual implementation regulation and payment of that and funding of that. So I do think that needs to be out there as well in addition to what you're talking about sending over. Thank you. That's a really good point. Maybe the letter could include a couple of bullet points about implementation issues too.  No, I was gonna say I absolutely agree with Eileen on that. And that's why I reached out to our staff because I read flagged this a few months ago actually about the implementation of this language should it move forward. And I never know, Madam Chair, what we're allowed to lobby and not lobby to our friends in the legislature, but if we can not only give the report on veterans, they really do need to understand that if they're gonna pass language like this, the money needs to follow it somehow. Because if you read the language, not a lot of the revenues come back to the state. So we couldn't even really set up the fund under this language as I have read it to implement this for us. So if we're allowed to say, hey, we need you to not only put some money behind this and share our concerns, I'm absolutely for that because this is not gonna be easy to do. No, and there's regulatory implementation above and beyond just the money too that is challenging. Issues around integrity in terms of how we would be monitoring the slot machines. The Attorney General's office knows an awful lot about some of the challenges of the illegal machines. That's not what we're talking about here, but how we regulate slot machines at our casinos is a very different system than how we would be able to regulate the integrity of machine spread out across the Commonwealth. So, can I just add one more thing? So Eileen, you're right and Madam Chair, so the last section L says right in at the commission, commission shall consistent with the public objectives of this chapter established in section one, promulgate regulations for the implementation, administration, enforcement of this section, including without limitations regulations that prescribe and they list about one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight more things that we would need to do. So yes, absolutely we need to just share our concerns. So just so I'm gonna go to commissioner Skinner next, but I just will point out the word lobby makes me always a little nervous. We don't lobby officially, but I know we have to advocate, right? It's public for other reasons. But I do think that's just being very my cautious nilly self, but Karen, I wanna get to commissioner Skinner. I think maybe it makes sense to prepare a letter with just some key bullet points. You know, let's not overwhelm anyone, but that we just again can repeat here to the public that the gaming commission is prepared to discuss this matter and any other piece of legislation that would impact us as a regulator and impact meaning we wanna be able to do a really good job at whatever we're regulating. So that we're available for conversations and that they should reach out to us. And Karen would be the proper contact to that. Commissioner Skinner, you sat so quietly, thanks. I don't have anything more substantive to add. I think you all hit the points of concern and you've laid out a path to try to address them. So fine with that. I would ask that that research around the impact of gambling on veterans. We also distributed internally. Yes. Good, yes. The other request that I had, and I know, you know, the list is piling, but it would be good. I know we had recently a silent briefing on the technical standards aspect or not narrowly technical standards, but we heard from Katrina and her team around what would be required on the technical side if sports betting were to pass. I'm hoping that in the near future, we could as a commission get, I don't know if it's at another silent briefing, but just kind of an update on how the agency is preparing now for sports wagering. Should it come to fruition? It's been a while. And again, we had that subset, that's that sub category of a silent briefing, but if we could get something more broad very soon, that would be appreciated. Madam Chair, can I add one more bullet? And I'm sorry. Yeah, I'd love a bullet to veterans and then I'll turn it crystal on the next one, but veterans, yes. So there's a section in there that I was very happy to see.  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, wants help, call the mass council on gaming and help on safe gaming education, they give the phone number or the department of public health's health line and they give that number. So we certainly wanna continue, especially after seeing our great report today from our game sense folks, that this be part of the legislation should it move forward. Thank you. And just as something put in the parking lot that for our agenda going forward, I am hoping that you'll agree with me, but not withstanding whatever happens with respect to sports betting. I do think we need to return to Mark's report and Long's report and Marie Claire's report on advertising because we should at least think about this with respect to the casino play, no matter what. I didn't want those multiple considerations that are in that important white paper to not be revisited. I just think we'll see what happens with respect to sports wagering and then think about it with respect to casino play and sports wagering if sports wagering doesn't pass, we'll think about it with respect to casino play. And so those issues around that language and that kind of language, the font size of that language and all those things Brad, we can discuss comprehensively, but you're right. I did see that that was in that proposal. But we can do more if it actually goes forward. So, and then to Nakesh's point, Karen, I know that you're working on a schedule on how to keep us posted about your work. So I echo Patricia Skinner's desire to keep us on the right cadence. So thank you. Okay, so that's veterans. Crystal, I know you've been monitoring, this one is actually now getting down to the wire a bit. What are we going to do? Yeah, I think, so the biggest update, certainly, well, they're all, nothing's truly final yet, right? But we're just watching everything regarding that the veterans bill piece that came out and then obviously the open meeting law. So the house also did put in a bill that has a provision that would extend the open meeting law, but it's certainly very different from what we've seen in the Senate and we're awaiting where that goes. But it's close, obviously, we have three days to see what happens with that. We have a little bit in the works as to where we would go with the next meeting and or our next agenda setting next week if we pass t