Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
15.010
Definitions.
As used in Rule 15:
1.
"Articles of organization" means the articles of organization filed with the
secretary of state for the purpose of forming a limited-liability company
pursuant to Title 4, Chapter 32 of the Arkansas Code Annotated.
2. "Capital account" as reflected on the
books of the limited-liability company shall mean the member's initial and any
subsequent contributions to the limited-liability company; as increased by the
member's pro rata share of net income of the limited-liability company; and
decreased by the member's pro rata share of net losses incurred by the
limited-liability company, as well as any draws or distributions to a member of
any kind or nature.
3. Unless
otherwise specified, "Commission" means the Arkansas Racing Commission or the
Commission's designee.
4.
"Contribution" means anything of value which a person contributes to the
limited-liability company as a prerequisite for or in connection with
membership, including cash, property, or services rendered or a promissory note
or other binding obligation to contribute cash or property or to perform
services.
5. "Control," including
the term "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with," means
the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.
6. A "controlled affiliate" of a specified
person is another person which, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the
person specified.
7. A "controlling
affiliate" of a specified person is another person which, directly or
indirectly, controls the person specified.
8. "Delayed licensing" means the approval
granted by the Commission to a member of a limited-liability company licensee,
enabling the member to receive a share or percentage of revenues derived from
the conduct of gaming prior to the member being licensed.
9. "Holding company" means, in addition to
any corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited-liability
company, trust or other form of business organization not a natural person
which, directly or indirectly:
(a)
owns;
(b) has the power or right to
control;
(c) holds with power to
vote any part of the limited partnership interests, interests in a
limited-liability company or outstanding voting securities of a corporation
which holds or applies for a license, a limited-liability company that owns or
has the power or right to control all or any part of the outstanding securities
of a limited-liability company that holds or applies for a state Casino
license.
10. "Interest
in a limited-liability company" means a member's share of the profits and
losses of a limited-liability company and the right to receive distributions of
the company's assets. The definition provided within this subsection is not
intended to be a definition of "Interest" for use in this or any Rule or
statute.
11. "Limited-liability
company" means a limited-liability company organized and existing pursuant to
the terms of Title 4, Chapter 32 of the Arkansas Code Annotated.
12. "Manager" means a person elected by the
members of a limited-liability company to manage the company pursuant to Title
4, Chapter 32.
13. "Member" means a
person who owns an interest in a limited-liability company.
14. "Member's interest" means a member's
share of the profits and losses of a limited-liability company and the right to
receive distributions of the limited-liability company's assets. The definition
provided within this subsection is not intended to be a definition of
"Interest" for use in this or any Rule or statute.
15. "Operating agreement" means any valid
written agreement of the members as to the affairs of a limited-liability
company and the conduct of its business.
16. "Own," "hold" and "have" mean the
possession of a record or beneficial interest in a limited-liability
company.
17. "Sale" or "sell"
includes every contract of sale or, contract to sell, or disposition of, a
security or interest in a security whether or not for value. "Sale" or "sell"
includes any exchange of an interest or securities and any material change in
the rights, preferences, privileges or restrictions of or on outstanding
interest or securities.
18. The
term "security" means any stock; membership in an incorporated association;
partnership interest in any limited or general partnership; interest in any
limited-liability company; bond; debenture or other evidence of indebtedness;
investment contract; voting trust certificate; certificate of deposit for a
security; or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a
"security"; or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or
interim certificate for, receipt for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or
purchase, any of the foregoing. All of the foregoing are securities whether or
not evidence of indebtedness reported under these Rules is a
security.
15.030
Powers of Commission. The Commission shall have full and absolute power
and authority, to the extent permitted by law, to recommend the granting,
denial, limitation, conditioning, restriction, revocation, or delay of any
license, registration, approval, or finding of suitability required or
permitted by this Rule, or any application therefor, or to recommend other
disciplinary action for any cause deemed reasonable by the Commission. The
Commission shall have full and absolute power and authority, to the extent
permitted by law, to grant, deny, condition, restrict, revoke, suspend, or
delay any license, registration, approval, or finding of suitability required
or permitted under these Rule, or any application therefor, or to take other
disciplinary action for any cause deemed reasonable by the
Commission.
15.040
Burden of
proof. The burden of proof with respect to the granting of any approval
required or permitted by these Rules is at all times upon the person applying
for such approval. Each applicant shall satisfy the Commission, as the case may
be, that the granting of an approval is consistent with the state policies
regarding gaming.
15.060
Ownership of limited-liability company licensees. Except as otherwise
provided by law, no person shall acquire any interest in or equity security
issued by a limited-liability company licensee or a holding company, become a
controlling affiliate of a limited-liability company licensee or a holding
company, become a holding company of a limited-liability licensee or of a
holding company without first obtaining the prior approval of the Commission in
accordance with these Rules.
15.065
Registration of certain members of limited-liability companies.
1. All members with a 5 percent or less
ownership interest in a limited-liability company licensee must register in
that capacity with the Commission and affirmatively state in writing that they
submit to the Commission's jurisdiction. Such registration must be made on
forms prescribed by the Commission. A member who is required to be registered
by this section shall apply for registration before the member obtains an
ownership interest of 5 percent or less in a limited-liability company
licensee.
2. If the Commission
finds a member unsuitable, denies an application of the member, or revokes an
approval of the member, the member and the limited-liability company shall
comply with the following:
a) If at any time
the Commission finds that a member is unsuitable to hold an interest in a
limited-liability company, the Commission shall immediately notify the
limited-liability company of that fact. The limited-liability company shall,
within 10 days after it receives the notice from the Commission, return to the
member, in cash, the amount of the member's capital account as reflected on the
books of the company.
b) Except as
otherwise provided in subsection 2(a), beginning on the date when the
Commission serves notice of a determination of unsuitability pursuant to
subsection 2(a) upon the limited-liability company, it is unlawful for the
unsuitable member:
i. To receive any share of
the distribution of profits of the limited-liability company or any payments
upon dissolution of the company;
ii. To exercise any voting right conferred by
the member's interest in the limited-liability company;
iii. To participate in the management of the
limited-liability company; or
iv.
To receive any remuneration in any form from the limited-liability company, for
services rendered or otherwise.
3. An application for registration with the
Commission shall:
(a) Include a completed
application for registration form as prescribed by the Commission;
(b) Include fully executed waivers and
authorizations as determined necessary by the Commission to investigate the
registrant;
(c) Include an
affirmative statement that the registrant submits to the jurisdiction of the
Commission;
(d) Include an
affirmative statement that the registrant has no intent to exercise control
over the licensee other than (i) to vote the registrant's shares in the
ordinary course; and (ii) if applicable, to take action in another licensed
capacity under Commission Rules that are not prohibited by any Commission
Rule;
(e) Include the fingerprints
of the registrant for purposes of investigating the registrant's criminal
history. Such fingerprints shall be provided in a form and manner acceptable to
the Commission. The Commission, in the Commission's sole and absolute
discretion, may waive this requirement upon a written request which
specifically sets out the reasons for the request for waiver;
(f) Be accompanied by a fee to cover
registration investigation costs as follows:
(1) For registrations related to 2 or fewer
restricted licenses, an investigative fee in the amount of [$550.00];
and
(2) For all other
registrations, an investigative fee in the amount of [$2,500.00].
[] This fee does not include the application fee or
investigation costs should the Commission require the registrant to apply for
licensure; and
(g) Include such other information as the
Commission may require.
4. The Commission may require a member who is
required to be registered by this section to apply for licensure at any time in
the Commission's discretion by sending notice through the United States Postal
Service to the registrant at the address on the registrant's registration on
file with the Commission and to the limited-liability company at the address on
file with the Commission. A member shall apply for licensure as required by the
Commission within 40 days of the member's receipt of notice. The notice shall
be deemed to have been received by the member 5 days after such notice is
deposited with the United States Postal Service with the postage thereon
prepaid.
5. Upon receipt of a
completed application for registration with the Commission, the application
shall be placed on an agenda for consideration by the Commission not later than
the first regular monthly Commission agenda following the expiration of 120
days after the Commission receives the completed application for registration
with the Commission.
(a) At the meeting in
which the Commission considers the application, it shall register the person
with the Commission, decline to register the person with the Commission, or
refer the application back to staff. At the meeting in which the Commission
considers the application, it may also recommend the Commission require the
person required to be registered by this section to apply for licensure. If the
Commission declines to register a person pursuant to this subsection, such
action in so declining to register a person with the Commission shall not be
considered a denial under the act.
(b) A person who has the person's application
for registration with the Commission declined or referred back to staff may
file an application for licensure even if not required to do so by the
Commission.
6. If a
member of a limited-liability company licensee is a holding company and is
required to register with the Commission under this section, the member is not
also required to register with the Commission as a subsidiary unless the
Commission requires the member to apply for licensure.
7. In enacting this Rule, the Commission
finds that waiver is appropriate to the extent required by this section. In
making this waiver, the Commission finds such waiver is consistent with the
state policy because such waiver is for purposes including but not limited to
fostering the growth of the gaming industry which is vitally important to the
economy of the State and the general welfare of its inhabitants and broadening
the opportunity for investment in gaming. The Commission further finds such
waiver does not diminish the Commission's roles in strictly regulating gaming
and effectively controlling the conduct of gaming by business organizations
because the Commission still require, at a minimum, registration with the
Commission of all persons involved with gaming and may call such persons
subject to registration with the Commission forward for licensure, registration
with the Commission, or findings of suitability.
8. Upon the Commission requiring a member who
is required to be registered by this section to apply for licensure, the member
does not have any right to the granting of the application. Any license
hereunder is a revocable privilege, and no holder acquires any vested right
therein or thereunder.
15.070
Institutional investor.
1. An institutional investor that intends to
become subject to Rules 15.060 and 15.190 as a result of its ownership of an
interest in or equity security issued by a limited liability company licensee
or a holding company, may apply to the Commission for a waiver of the
requirements of Rules 13.585.7-4, 13.585.7-5, 15.060 and 15.190 with respect to
the ownership of the interest in or equity securities issued by the limited
liability company licensee or a holding company if such institutional investor
intends to and does hold the interest or equity securities for investment
purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be eligible to receive or
hold a waiver if the institutional investor will own, directly or indirectly,
more than a 15 percent interest in or of the equity securities issued by the
limited liability company licensee or a holding company on a fully diluted
basis where any such interest or securities are to be acquired other than
through a debt restructuring. Limited liability company interests or securities
acquired before a debt restructuring and retained after a debt restructuring or
as a result of an exchange or conversion, after a debt restructuring, of any
securities issued to an institutional investor through a debt restructuring,
shall be deemed to have been acquired through a debt restructuring. A waiver
granted under this section shall be effective only as long as the institutional
investor's direct or indirect ownership interest in or of the equity securities
issued by a limited liability company meets the limitations set forth
above.
2. An institutional investor
shall not be deemed to hold an interest in or equity security issued by a
limited liability company licensee or a holding company, for investment
purposes only unless the interest or equity securities were acquired and are
held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor, does not
give the institutional investor management authority, and does not, directly or
indirectly, allow the institutional investor to vote for the appointment of a
manager, cause any change in the articles of organization, operating agreement,
other organic document, management, polices or operations of the limited
liability company licensee or the holding company, or cause any other action
which the Commission finds to be inconsistent with investment purposes only.
The following activities shall not be deemed to be inconsistent with holding an
interest or equity securities for investment purposes only:
(a) Serving as a member of any committee of
creditors or security or interest holders in connection with a debt
restructuring;
(b) Nominating any
candidate for election or appointment to a Commission or the equivalent in
connection with a debt restructuring;
(c) Making financial and other inquires of
management of the type normally made by securities analyst for informational
purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations;
and
(d) Such other activities as
the Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment
intent.
3. An
application for a waiver must include:
(a) A
description of the institutional investor's business and a statement as to why
the institutional investor is within the definition of "institutional investor"
set forth in section 11 of this Rule.
(b) A certification made under oath and the
penalty of perjury, that:
(1) The interest in
or equity securities of the limited liability company licensee or the holding
company will be acquired and held for investment purposes only as defined in
these Rules and a statement by the signatory explaining the basis of the
signatory's authority to sign the certification and to bind the institutional
investor to its terms.
(2) The
applicant agrees to be bound by and comply with the Amendment and the Rules
adopted thereunder, to be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of
Arkansas, and to consent to Arkansas as the choice of forum in the event any
dispute, question, or controversy arises regarding the application or any
waiver granted under this section.
(3) The applicant agrees that it shall not
grant an option to purchase, or sell, assign, transfer, pledge or make any
other disposition of any interest in or equity security issued by the limited
liability company licensee or the holding company without the prior approval of
the Commission.
(c) A
description of all actions, if any, taken or expected to be taken by the
institutional investor relating to the activities described in these
Rules.
(d) The name, address,
telephone number and social security number of the officers and directors, or
their equivalent, of the institutional investor as well as those persons that
have direct control over the institutional investor's holdings of an interest
in or equity securities of the limited liability company licensee or the
holding company.
(e) The name,
address, telephone number and social security or federal tax identification
number of each person who has the power to direct or control the institutional
investor's exercise of its rights as a holder of the interest in or equity
securities of the limited liability company licensee or the holding
company.
(f) The name of each
person that beneficially owns more than 5 percent of the institutional
investor's voting securities or other equivalent.
(g) A list of the institutional investor's
affiliates.
(h) A list of all
regulatory agencies with which the institutional investor or any affiliate that
owns any voting or equity securities or any other interest in a company which
is licensed or registered with the Arkansas Racing Commission files periodic
reports, and the name, address, and telephone number of the person, if known,
to contact at each agency regarding the institutional investor.
(i) A disclosure of all criminal or
regulatory sanctions imposed during the preceding 10 years and of any
administrative or court proceedings filed by any regulatory agency during the
preceding 5 years against the institutional investor, its affiliates, and
current officer or director, or any former officer or director whose tenure
ended within the preceding 12 months. As to a former officer or director, such
information need be provided only to the extent that it relates to actions
arising out of or during such person's tenure with the institutional investor
or its affiliates.
(j) Any
additional information the Commission may request.
4. The Commission shall consider all relevant
information in determining whether to grant a waiver requested pursuant to
subsection 1, including but not limited to:
(a) Whether the waiver is consistent with the
policy set forth in these Rules; and
(b) Any views expressed to the Commission by
the limited liability company licensee or affiliate thereof.
5. Any waiver granted pursuant to
this section may be limited or conditioned in any respect by the Commission,
including, but not limited to, requiring a certification, made under oath and
the penalty of perjury, which contains the following:
(a) A statement attesting that the
institutional investor holds and/or has held the interest in or equity
securities issued by the limited liability company licensee or the holding
company for (1) investment purposes only, and (2) in the ordinary course of
business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of (A) causing,
directly or indirectly, the appointment of any manager(s), or (B) effecting any
change in the articles of organization, operating agreement, other organic
document, management, policies or operations of the limited liability company
licensee or any of its affiliates.
(b) A statement that the institutional
investor has not engaged in any activities inconsistent with the holding of an
interest in or equity securities of a limited liability company licensee for
investment purposes only in accordance with the provisions of section 2
hereof.
(c) The name, title and
telephone number of the persons having direct control over the institutional
investor's holdings of an interest in or equity securities issued by the
limited liability company licensee or the holding company.
(d) A statement of all complaints, arrests,
indictments or convictions of any officer or director of the institutional
investor regarding the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and any regulatory agency of any State where it conducts business,
or any offense which would constitute a gross misdemeanor or felony if
committed in the State of Arkansas. The name, position, charge, arresting
agency, and a brief description of the event must also be included in the
statement.
(e) A statement
indicating any change to the structure and/or operation of the institutional
investor which could affect its classification as an institutional investor as
defined within these Rules.
6. An institutional investor that has been
granted a waiver of licensing, registration or finding of suitability as
required by these Rules and that subsequently intends not to hold its interest
in or equity securities issued by the limited liability company licensee or the
holding company for investment purposes only, or that intends to take any
action inconsistent with its prior intent shall, within 2 business days after
its decision, deliver notice to the Commission in writing of the change in its
investment intent. The Commission may then take such action under these Rules,
or any other provision of the Amendment or Rules of the Commission as the
Commission deems appropriate.
7. A
waiver that has been granted pursuant to this section and these Rules shall
subject the institutional investor to requirements similar to those found
within these Rules, as applicable, in that any purported sale, assignment,
transfer, pledge or other disposition of any interest in or equity security
issued by the limited liability company licensee or the holding company, or the
granting of an option to purchase such an interest or equity security, shall be
void unless approved in advance by the Commission.
8. The institutional investor shall be
entitled to whatever economic advantage, including, but not limited to,
distributions of profits, that may flow from ownership of the interest or
equity securities as though it has been licensed, registered or found
suitable.
9. If the Commission
finds that an institutional investor has failed to comply with the provisions
of this section, or should be subject to licensing, registration, finding of
suitability or any approval to protect the public interest, the Commission may,
in accordance with these Rules or any other provision of the Amendment or Rules
of the Commission the Commission deems appropriate, require the institutional
investor to apply for licensing, registration or a finding of suitability. The
institutional investor affected by the action taken by the Commission may
request a hearing on the merits of such action. The hearing shall be included
on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting occurring more
than 10 working days after the request for hearing. Upon good cause shown by
the institutional investor, the Commission may waive the 10-day requirement and
place such hearing on an earlier Commission agenda. The Commission, for any
cause deemed reasonable, may by a majority vote, sustain, modify or reverse the
decision of the Commission, or remand the matter to the Commission for such
further investigation and reconsideration as the Commission may order. While
the application for licensure, registration or a finding of suitability review
of the Commission's action requiring the filing of such application is pending,
the institutional investor shall not directly or indirectly, cause or attempt
to cause any management, policy, or operating changes in the limited liability
company licensee or the holding company.
10. The limited liability company licensee or
the holding company shall immediately notify the Commission of any information
about, fact concerning or actions of, an institutional investor holding any
interest in or equity securities of the limited liability company licensee or
the holding company, that may materially affect the institutional investor's
eligibility to hold a waiver under this section.
11. For purposes of this Rule "institutional
investor" shall have the meaning set forth in these Rules and "debt
restructuring" shall have the meaning set forth in these Rules.
15.110
Required provisions
in articles of organization. The following provisions must be included
in the articles of organization of every limited-liability company that
receives a state Casino license:
1. A purpose
clause containing language substantially as follows:
The character and general nature of the business to be
conducted by the limited-liability company is to operate, manage, and conduct
gaming in a gaming casino on or within the premises known as _________________
and located at _________________.
2. The articles of organization shall include
language substantially as follows: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
expressed or implied in these articles, the sale, assignment, transfer, pledge
or other disposition of any interest in the limited-liability company is
ineffective unless approved in advance by the commission. If at any time the
commission finds that a member who owns any such interest is unsuitable to hold
that interest, the commission shall immediately notify the limited-liability
company of that fact. The limited-liability company shall, within 10 days from
the date that it receives the notice from the commission, return to the
unsuitable member the amount of the unsuitable member's capital account as
reflected on the books of the limited-liability company. Beginning on the date
when the commission serves notice of a determination of unsuitability, pursuant
to the preceding sentence, upon the limited-liability company, it is unlawful
for the unsuitable member:
(a) To receive any
share of the distribution of profits or cash or any other property of, or
payments upon dissolution of, the limited-liability company, other than a
return of capital as required above;
(b) To exercise directly or through a trustee
or nominee, any voting right conferred by such interest;
(c) To participate in the management of the
business and affairs of the limited-liability company; or
(d) To receive any remuneration in any form
from the limited-liability company, for services rendered or
otherwise.
3. The
articles of organization shall include language substantially as follows:
Any member that is found unsuitable by the commission shall
return all evidence of any ownership in the limited-liability company to the
limited-liability company, at which time the limited-liability company shall
within 10 days, after the limited-liability company receives notice from the
commission, return to the member in cash, the amount of the member's capital
account as reflected on the books of the limited-liability company, and the
unsuitable member shall no longer have any direct or indirect interest in the
limited-liability company.
15.120
Public offerings by
limited-liability company licensees and holding companies.
No limited-liability company licensee and no holding company
shall make a public offering of interests or securities of a limited-liability
company licensee or of a holding company except as is permitted by, and in
accordance with, these Rules.
15.130
Assignment of interest in a
security. The purported sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, exercise of
an option to purchase, including any transfer, whether or not for value, of any
interest in the profits or proceeds realized from the holding or disposition of
a security, or other disposition of any interest in a limited-liability company
which holds a state gaming license or which is a holding company or an
intermediary company for an entity that holds a state gaming license is void
unless approved in advance by the Commission.
15.140
Procedure for obtaining
approval for transfer of interests. The provisions of these Rules shall
govern all transfers for which approval is required.
15.150
Persons who may be determined
to be unsuitable. If at any time the Commission finds that an
individual owner of any such interest is unsuitable to hold that interest, the
Commission shall immediately notify the limited-liability company of that fact.
The limited-liability company shall, within 10 days after the date that it
receives the notice from the Commission, return to the unsuitable owner, in
cash, the amount of the unsuitable owner's capital account as reflected on the
books of the company. Without in any manner limiting the foregoing, the
following persons may be determined to be unsuitable:
1. Any person who, having been notified by
the member, the Commission, or the Commission of the requirement that such
persons be licensed, fails, refuses, or neglects to apply for such licensing
within 30 days after being requested to do so by the Commission.
2. Any record holder of a security issued by
a limited-liability company licensee or a holding company who fails, refuses,
or neglects, upon request of the Commission, to furnish to the Commission
within 30 days after such request, full, complete, and accurate information as
to the owner of any beneficial interest in such security.
3. Any record owner of a security that is
beneficially owned, in whole or in part, by a person determined to be
unsuitable by the Commission.
15.160
Limited-liability company
non-compliance. Whenever the Commission determines that the public
interest will be served by requiring any or all of the limited-liability
company's lenders, holders of evidences of indebtedness, underwriters, key
executives and agents, employees or other persons dealing with the
limited-liability company and having the power to exercise a significant
influence over decisions by the limited-liability company to be licensed, the
Commission shall serve a notice of such determination upon the
limited-liability company either personally or by certified mail. If the person
or entity that is the subject of such determination shall not have, within 30
days following the receipt of such notice, applied for a license, the limited
partnership may be deemed to have failed to comply.
15.170
Approval by Commission required
for all issues or transfers by a holding company of its securities. No
holding company shall issue or transfer any security or member's interest of
which it or its controlled affiliate is the issuer without the prior approval
of the Commission. As used herein, the terms "issue or transfer" extend to
transactions involving any type of ownership referred to in these
Rules.
15.180
Commission
approval required for dispositions of outstanding securities issued by holding
companies. No person other than the issuer shall sell, assign, transfer,
pledge or make any other disposition of any interest in or security issued by
any holding company without prior approval of the Commission. As used herein,
the terms "sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition" extend to
dispositions of any type of ownership referred to in these Rules.
15.190
Licensing of managers and
members of limited-liability company holding companies.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this
section, each manager of a limited-liability company holding company must be
licensed. Each member of a limited-liability company holding company must be
licensed if the member owns more than 5 percent of any licensee owned by the
limited-liability company holding company, except to the extent delayed
licensing is approved by the Commission. For the purposes of this section,
"own" means the possession of a record or beneficial interest in any business
organization.
2. All members which
own 5 percent or less of any licensee owned by the limited-liability company
holding company must register in that capacity with the Commission and
affirmatively state in writing that they submit to the Commission's
jurisdiction. Such registration must be made on forms prescribed by the
Commission. A member who is required to be registered by this section shall
apply for registration before the member obtains an ownership interest in the
limited-liability company holding company.
3. A manager of a limited-liability company
holding company is not required to be licensed and must register in that
capacity with the Commission if the limited-liability company holding company
is not, directly or indirectly, a general partner or manager of any licensee
and does not control any licensee. A manager who is required to be registered
by this section shall apply for registration within 30 days after the manager
assumes office.
4. If the
Commission finds a member or manager unsuitable, denies an application of the
member or manager, or revokes an approval of the member or manager, the member,
manager, and the limited-liability company holding company shall comply with
the following:
a) If at any time the
Commission finds that any person owning, controlling or holding with power to
vote any part of any class of security of, or any interest in, any holding
company or intermediary company is unsuitable to be connected with a licensed
gaming enterprise, it shall so notify the unsuitable person, the holding
company or intermediary company, or both. The unsuitable person shall
immediately offer the security to the issuing corporation, or the interest to
the firm, partnership, trust or other business organization, for purchase. The
corporation shall purchase the security so offered, or the firm, partnership,
trust or other business organization shall purchase the interest so offered,
for cash at fair market value within 10 days after the date of the
offer.
b) Beginning upon the date
when the Commission serves notice of a determination of unsuitability, it is
unlawful for the unsuitable person:
i. To
receive any dividend or interest upon any such securities, or any dividend,
payment or distribution of any kind from any holding company or intermediary
company;
ii. To exercise, directly
or indirectly or through any proxy, trustee or nominee, any voting right
conferred by such securities or interest; or
iii. To receive any remuneration in any form
from the corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited-liability
company or other business organization holding a license or from any holding
company or intermediary company with respect thereto, for services rendered or
otherwise.
If any officer, employee, director, partner, principal,
manager, member, trustee or direct or beneficial owner required to be found
suitable fails to apply for a finding of suitability or a gaming license within
30 days after being requested so to do by the Commission, is not found suitable
or is denied a license by the Commission, or if his or her license or the
finding of his or her suitability is revoked after appropriate findings by the
Commission, the holding company or intermediary company, or both, shall
immediately remove that person from any position in the administration or
supervision of, or any other significant involvement with, the activities of a
licensee. If the Commission suspends the suitability or license of any officer,
employee, director, partner, principal, manager, member, trustee or owner, the
holding company or intermediary company, or both, shall, immediately and for
the duration of the suspension, suspend the person from performing any duties
in administration or supervision of the activities of the licensee and from any
other significant involvement therewith.
5. An application for registration
with the Commission shall:
(a) Include a
completed application for registration form as prescribed by the
Commission;
(b) Include fully
executed waivers and authorizations as determined necessary by the Commission
to investigate the registrant;
(c)
Include an affirmative statement that the registrant submits to the
jurisdiction of the Commission;
(d)
Include an affirmative statement that the registrant has no intent to exercise
control over the licensee other than (i) to vote the registrant's shares in the
ordinary course; and (ii) if applicable, to take action in another licensed
capacity under Commission Rules that are not prohibited by any Commission
Rule;
(e) Include the fingerprints
of the registrant for purposes of investigating the registrant's criminal
history. Such fingerprints shall be provided in a form and manner acceptable to
the Commission. The Commission, in the Commission's sole and absolute
discretion, may waive this requirement upon a written request which
specifically sets out the reasons for the request for waiver;
(f) Be accompanied by a fee to cover
registration investigation costs as follows:
(1) For registrations related to 2 or fewer
restricted licenses, an investigative fee in the amount of [$550.00];
and
(2) For all other
registrations, an investigative fee in the amount of [$2,500.00].
[] This fee does not include the application fee or
investigation costs should the Commission require the registrant to apply for
licensure; and
(g) Include such other information as the
Commission may require.
6. The Commission may require a member or
manager who is required to be registered by this section to apply for licensure
at any time in the Commission's discretion by sending notice through the United
States Postal Service to the registrant at the address on the registrant's
registration on file with the Commission and to the limited-liability company
holding company at the address on file with the Commission. A member or manager
shall apply for licensure as required by the Commission within 40 days of the
member or manager's receipt of notice. The notice shall be deemed to have been
received by the member or manager 5 days after such notice is deposited with
the United States Postal Service with the postage thereon prepaid.
7. Upon receipt of a completed application
for registration with the Commission, the application shall be placed on an
agenda for consideration by the Commission not later than the first regular
monthly Commission agenda following the expiration of 120 days after the
Commission receives the completed application for registration with the
Commission.
(a) At the meeting in which the
Commission considers the application, it shall register the person with the
Commission, decline to register the person with the Commission, or refer the
application back to staff. At the meeting in which the Commission considers the
application, it may also recommend the Commission require the person required
to be registered by this section to apply for licensure. If the Commission
declines to register a person pursuant to this subsection, such action in so
declining to register a person with the Commission shall not be considered a
denial under the act.
(b) A person
who has the person's application for registration with the Commission declined
or referred back to staff may file an application for licensure even if not
required to do so by the Commission.
8. If a member or manager of a
limited-liability company holding company is also a holding company and is
required to register with the Commission under this section, the member or
manager is not also required to register with the Commission as a subsidiary
unless the Commission requires the member or manager to apply for
licensure.
9. In enacting this
Rule, the Commission finds that waiver is appropriate to the extent required by
this section. In making these waivers, the Commission finds such waivers are
consistent with state policy because such waivers are for purposes including
but not limited to fostering the growth of the gaming industry which is vitally
important to the economy of the State and the general welfare of its
inhabitants and broadening the opportunity for investment in gaming. The
Commission further finds such waivers do not diminish the Commission's roles in
strictly regulating gaming and effectively controlling the conduct of gaming by
business organizations because the Commission still require, at a minimum,
registration with the Commission of all persons involved with gaming and may
call such persons subject to registration with the Commission forward for
licensure, registration with the Commission, or findings of
suitability.
10. Upon the
Commission requiring a member or manager who is required to be registered by
this section to apply for licensure, the member or manager does not have any
right to the granting of the application. Any license hereunder is a revocable
privilege, and no holder acquires any vested right therein or
thereunder.
15.200
Certain payees required to be found suitable, licensed or
approved. The Commission may require any person who receives payments
from a limited-liability company holding company computed on the basis of
earnings or profits of the holding company or on the basis of receipts from
gaming of the subsidiary limited-liability company licensee of such holding
company to be found suitable, licensed or approved.
15.210
Delayed licensing for
members. Pursuant to the provisions of these Rules, the Commission may
waive licensing of members and, in lieu thereof, grant approval of delayed
licensing for any member.
15.220
Eligibility for delayed licensing.
1. A limited-liability company that has filed
an application to be registered with the Commission may file an application for
approval of delayed licensing of its members.
2. Only members whose aggregate effective
ownership percentage in the limited-liability company is no more than 10
percent will be considered for delayed licensing approval. For purposes of
determining aggregate effective ownership percentage, a natural person who is
part of a legal entity that is a member shall be deemed to have the percentage
ownership interest held by the legal entity.
3. Neither a member having management
authority or responsibility nor a manager is eligible for delayed
licensing.
4. A limited-liability
company seeking delayed licensing of its members shall apply for a ruling from
the Commission, upon recommendation from the Commission, that it is eligible
for delayed licensing of its members. Such application may be made at the same
time that the limited-liability company applies for state Casino license or
registers with the Commission, and must include the information from members
required by these Rules.
15.225
Application for delayed
licensing by individual members. Once a limited-liability company has
been held eligible for delayed licensing pursuant to these Rules, each member
seeking delayed licensing shall file an application for delayed licensing
pursuant to these Rules. A member may file an application for delayed licensing
prior to the Commission's ruling on the eligibility of the limited-liability
company, but the application will not be considered by the Commission until the
Commission rules that the limited-liability company is eligible for delayed
licensing.
15.230
Procedure
for consideration of application for delayed licensing. Any application
for delayed licensing, whether by the limited-liability company pursuant to
these Rules, or by any individual member pursuant to these Rules, shall be made
to the Commission on forms furnished by the Commission and in accordance with
these Rules. The Commission shall investigate the applicant and act upon the
application pursuant to these Rules.
15.240
Information to be provided by
applicant for delayed licensing. In addition to filing a completed
personal history record and personal financial questionnaire, along with all
required releases and fingerprint cards, each member applying for approval of
delayed licensing shall provide the following information:
1. A listing of any other business interest
between the applicant and a manager existing prior to, at the time of, or after
the formation of the limited-liability company.
2. Whether the applicant has a familial
relationship, either by blood, marriage or adoption, with a manager of the
limited-liability company.
3. A
certification that the applicant does not have and will not have a material
relationship to, or a material involvement with, a manager of the
limited-liability company with respect to the gaming operations of the
limited-liability company, except in another licensed capacity under Commission
Rules in accordance with Commission Rules. A person may be deemed to have a
material relationship to, or a material involvement with, a manager if the
person is a stockholder, controlling person or key employee of a legal entity
that is a manager, or if the person, as an agent, consultant, advisor or
otherwise, exercises a significant influence upon the management or affairs of
such manager.
15.250
Effect of the Commission's ruling on a limited-liability company's
application for delayed licensing. If the Commission rules that a
limited-liability company is eligible for delayed licensing of its members, the
Commission shall direct the Commission, based upon such investigation as the
Commission deems appropriate, to recommend to the Commission which of the
members who have applied for delayed licensing, if any, should be granted
delayed licensing.
15.260
Standards. The Commission shall consider all relevant material facts in
determining whether to grant an approval of delayed licensing to a
limited-liability company, and thereafter to a member, as permitted by this
Rule. The Commission may consider the effects of the action or approval
requested by the applicant, the benefits to the State of Arkansas, and whatever
other facts are deemed relevant, including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Whether the applicant, either individually
or in conjunction with other members, has any direct or indirect control or
significant influence over a manager or over the management of the
limited-liability company's business or gaming operations, or the ability to
acquire such control. The limited-liability company's operating agreement will
be scrutinized to determine if it has clear and specific provisions covering
the following:
(a) Restricting the priority
rights with respect to income, losses, or other distributions, whether during
the term of the limited-liability company or upon its dissolution, of members
seeking delayed licensing;
(b)
Vesting the managers or the members with the sole and exclusive right to manage
and control the limited-liability company's business;
(c) Defining the scope of the manager's
authority and any limitations thereon;
(d) Restricting the right of members to
remove or elect managers, except to the extent necessary to elect a manager
pursuant to state or federal law, or these Rules, or upon the retirement, death
or disability of a manager who is a natural person; and
(e) Whether any additional assessment or
capital contribution can be required of the members.
2. Whether the applicant has, or has had, a
material relationship with a manager. Applicants who have a familial
relationship, either by blood, marriage or adoption, to a manager, may be
deemed to have such a material relationship.
3. The communality of other business
interests between a manager and any member prior to, or existing at, formation
of the limited-liability company.
4. Whether the applicant had a key role in
forming the limited-liability company.
5. The relative level of risk for each
manager.
6. The business probity of
each manager, in gaming or otherwise.
7. The presence or absence of restrictions on
the members.
8. Whether a
substantial portion of the assets of the limited-liability company were owned
by only one or more members prior to formation of the limited-liability
company.
9. Whether substantial
proportion of the depreciable assets involved in the proposed gaming operation
will be owned by the limited-liability company.
10. The number of persons and entities
involved in the limited-liability company. The Commission will not ordinarily
grant delayed licensing status to a limited-liability company with fewer than
25 members.
11. The various
percentage ownership interests in the limited-liability company.
12. Whether any member has obligated his or
her personal assets as a guaranty for the limited-liability company or made any
loans to the limited-liability company in any manner whatsoever.
13. The terms of any agreement that provides
for a buyout of a member's interest in the event that a member is found
unsuitable for licensing.
14. The
presence or absence of any tax benefit to the member.
15.270
Post-approval monitoring after
approval of delayed licensing. The operating agreement of a
limited-liability company that seeks delayed licensing must contain language to
the effect that the licensing of any member granted delayed licensing may be
activated at any time pursuant to this Rule. The granting of delayed licensing
to a member by the Commission shall be a revocable approval. The Commission
shall not relinquish jurisdiction. Any member receiving approval for delayed
licensing from the Commission has no legal vested right or privilege inherent
in that approval, nor shall the members that have been granted delayed
licensing accrue any privilege from the licensing of the limited-liability
company.
15.280
Powers of
the Commission after delayed licensing approval. The Commission may
exercise, without limitation, any of the following powers.
1. After the granting of delayed licensing to
a member, the Commission may at any time activate the licensing process for any
member granted delayed licensing if it determines that:
(a) A member has thereafter developed a
material relationship with or to a manager;
(b) A member, individually or in conjunction
with other members, has acquired the ability to exercise significant control or
influence over the management of the limited-liability company's gaming
operations or business affairs;
(c)
A member, individually or in conjunction with other members, has exercised, for
any reason, significant control or influence over the management of the
limited-liability company's gaming operations, either directly or indirectly,
even if such control is contemplated or authorized by the operating
agreement;
(d) There is reason to
believe that a member cannot demonstrate his or her suitability;
(e) The aggregate effective ownership
percentage held by a member granted delayed licensing has increased to more
than 10 percent;
(f) There is a
change in the manager, except upon the retirement, death or disability of a
manager who is a natural person; or
(g) Any other cause it deems
reasonable.
2. The
Commission may activate the licensing process for any member granted delayed
licensing at any time.
3. The
Commission may delegate to its Director or staff the authority to activate,
without Commission approval, the licensing process for a particular member who
has been granted delayed licensing.
4. The Commission may issue an order
requiring escrow of the funds, profits, or other moneys due any member granted
delayed licensing from the licensed limited-liability company for any cause
deemed reasonable. Any such escrow ordered by the Commission automatically
terminates at the conclusion of the next regular Commission meeting unless:
(a) The Commission recommends that the
Commission activate the licensing process for the member that is the subject of
the order;
(b) The Commission
continues discussion of whether it should recommend that the licensing process
be activated to a future meeting at the request of the member that is the
subject of the order; or
(c) The
Commission activates the licensing process pursuant to a delegation of
authority from the Commission under these Rules.
5. Any escrow ordered by the Commission
pursuant to subsection 4 automatically terminates if the Commission decides not
to activate the licensing process for the member that is the subject of the
order or if the Commission licenses the member.
15.290
Non-transferability of delayed
licensing approval. Delayed licensing approval shall be personal to the
limited-liability company or member granted delayed licensing. An interest in a
limited-liability company that is held under delayed licensing may not be
transferred, assigned, encumbered or hypothecated in any manner without the
prior approval of the Commission, upon recommendation of the
Commission.
15.300
Exclusion
of public limited-liability companies. This Rule shall not apply to an
interest in a limited-liability company or securities of, nor other interest
in, any limited-liability company holding company that has been permitted to
comply with public limited-liability companies, inclusive, nor to its managers,
members, agents, employees, underwriters, lenders, and other holders of
evidence of indebtedness, as such.
15.310
Waiver of requirement of
Rule. The Commission may waive one or more requirements of this Rule if
it makes a written finding that such waiver is consistent with state
policy.