MEMPHIS CASINO GAMBLING COMMISSION

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 2, ch. 2-76

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-1 Created.

Sec. 2-76-1. - Created. There is created and established the Memphis Casino Gambling Commission ("commission"). The commission is established for the purpose of the adoption by the Legislature of the State of Tennessee of laws and Constitutional amendments, if necessary, to permit casino gambling in the city. The commission shall also be vested with the regulation of the location of casino gambling establishments in the city and to establish standards for the operation of casino gambling establishments. (Code 1985, § 2-229; Ord. No. 4151, § 1, 12-29-1992)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-2 Composition; terms; vacancies; compensation.

Sec. 2-76-2. - Composition; terms; vacancies; compensation. The commission shall consist of 11 members who shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the city council. Four initial members shall be appointed for a term ending on the next September 30. Three initial members shall be appointed for a term ending November 30. Thereafter, members shall be appointed subject to council approval for one-year terms, or until their successors are appointed and qualified. Members may not be appointed for more than three years. In the event of a vacancy, whether by reasons or resignation, death, or other cause, the mayor, with the approval of the council may appoint a successor only for such unexpired terms. The members shall serve without compensation. (Code 1985, § 2-230; Ord. No. 4151, § 2, 12-29-1992)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-3 Authority.

Sec. 2-76-3. - Authority. The commission is designated as the body to promote and lobby for the adoption of laws permitting casino gambling in the city. It is authorized to coordinate a comprehensive and coordinated plan to promote the adoption of laws permitting casino gambling in the city. It is authorized to cooperate with the private business community in formulating and implementing plans. The commission shall consult with other public agencies and all plans shall integrate the economic, physical and environmental needs of the city and of businesses which may establish casino gambling within the city when legal. (Code 1985, § 2-231; Ord. No. 4151, § 3, 12-29-1992)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-4 Meetings; secretary; chairperson.

Sec. 2-76-4. - Meetings; secretary; chairperson. The commission shall meet at least quarterly, at such time and place as the commission may fix by resolution. Such meetings shall be open to the public. Notices of such meetings shall be placed on the bulletin board outside the city council chambers at least 48 hours before such meetings. Special meetings upon notice may be called from time to time by the chairperson or at the request of the majority of the members of the commission or at the request of the mayor or the chairperson of the city council. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The commission shall cause a proper record to be kept of the proceedings. For this purpose the commission shall appoint a secretary who shall be a member of the commission. The chairperson of the commission shall be elected by the commission from its own membership to serve for a term of one year or to the end of the term of the chairperson if less than one year is remaining with the right of succession for one additional term only at the option of the commission. (Code 1985, § 2-232; Ord. No. 4151, § 4, 12-29-1992)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-5 Powers and duties.

Sec. 2-76-5. - Powers and duties. The commission shall have all powers necessary and requisite to effectuate the purposes of the commission as established by the Charter of the city authorizing the commission. These powers include, but are not limited to, the following: A. To adopt a plan to promote and lobby for the adoption of state laws or constitutional amendments, if necessary, to permit casino gambling in the city; B. To accept any gift, grant or donation of any money by private business interests subject to city council approval. Such moneys shall be deposited in the city's normal operating account and identified as assets of the commission. The city shall maintain its books and records in such a fashion as to clearly identify and report such assets of the commission; C. To authorize the expenditure of commission funds subsequent to budget approval by the city council. Such checks shall require the signature of the comptroller of the city; D. To recommend to the council the execution of agreements which may be necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers and functions of the commission, including contracts with private interests, as well as any governmental agency or other entity; E. To advise the city council and the mayor as to all steps which are necessary and proper for the promotion and development of casino gambling in the city and to see that the plans for the creation of casino gambling are properly coordinated; F. To maintain necessary liaison with city and county officials and agencies; G. To coordinate planning studies for any casino gambling, including the location(s) thereof; H. The commission shall, before any such expenditures are made, submit a budget to the city council for approval. No expenditures shall be made without the usual concurrence by the comptroller that funds are available in the account established for the commission; I. To study and recommend, in concert with public agencies or private agencies, innovations in financing or appropriate financial commitments for the establishment of casino gambling; J. To study, recommend and prepare necessary legislation to implement casino gambling in Memphis; K. To develop proposals for the location(s) of casino gambling; L. To develop standards for the operation of casino gambling establishments; M. To develop a system to measure the economic, social and environmental impact of casino establishments on the city. (Code 1985, § 2-233; Ord. No. 4151, § 5, 12-29-1992)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-6 Casino location requirements.

Sec. 2-76-6. - Casino location requirements. Before or at the time that casino gambling may be legalized in the city, the commission shall establish requirements for the location of casino gambling establishments. Regardless of any zoning requirements for commercial establishments, no casino gambling establishment shall be opened unless the location meets the requirements established by the commission and approved by the city council. A petition requesting approval of a location shall be submitted on an application to the commission, which shall hold a public hearing after due notice and file its recommendations with the city council. The city council may grant a special permit for the location of such establishment upon such conditions are finally approved by the city council. (Code 1985, § 2-234; Ord. No. 4151, § 6, 12-29-1992)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-7 Written rules and regulations.

Sec. 2-76-7. - Written rules and regulations. The commission is empowered to establish written rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the city council, governing operation of all gambling casinos. The commission shall have all powers granted to any local casino gambling commission authorized by legislation of the State of Tennessee. (Code 1985, § 2-235; Ord. No. 4151, § 7, 12-29-1992)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-76-8 Report to mayor and city council.

Sec. 2-76-8. - Report to mayor and city council. It shall be the duty of the casino gambling commission on July 1 of each year to file with the mayor and city council a written annual report of the work performed and results accomplished, and the receipt and disbursement of all moneys, if any, received by such commission. (Code 1985, § 2-235.1; Ord. No. 4151, § 8, 12-29-1992)

Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_CH2-76MECAGACOFetched: 10/28/2026