FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 6, 1988


         FTC INITIATES RULEMAKING PROCEEDING TO CONSIDER
               AMENDING ITS GAMES-OF-CHANCE RULE;
                     REQUESTS PUBLIC COMMENT


     The Federal Trade Commission today announced that it is
initiating a rulemaking proceeding to consider amendments to its
games-of-chance rule.  The Commission will accept public comments
on the amendments and will hold public hearings on them.

     The rule, promulgated in 1969, establishes requirements for
food and gasoline retailers in conducting and advertising games
of chance.

     The proposed amendments would:

     --   allow supermarkets and gas stations to advertise their
          games on radio and television  without disclosing full
          information on prizes and odds of winning;

     --   alleviate requirements of "duplicative disclosure" of
          information in ads and promotional materials;

     --   require only the disclosure of winners of prizes of $50
          or higher, instead of all winners;

     --   permit those offering the games to add new game pieces
          as needed; and

     --   eliminate the waiting period between games.


     The Commission said it decided to consider amending the rule
"because of the Commission's continuing concerns with reducing
the cost burdens on industry and consumers and with the
inflationary impact of government regulation."

     A notice containing the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is
scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on July 7.  It
also includes a list of specific issues to be addressed in the
proceeding.

     Written comments on the proposed amendments must be
submitted by Sept. 6.  The comments should be marked as "Games of
Chance Amendment Comment," and if possible, five copies should be
submitted.

     The public hearings will start on Oct. 5, at the FTC
Building in Washington, D.C.  Those wishing to participate should
advise the Presiding Officer by Sept. 6.

     Comments and requests for public hearings should be
submitted to Henry B. Cabell, Presiding Officer, FTC, 6th St. and
Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.  Mr. Cabell can
be reached at 202-326-3642.

     Copies of the Federal Register notice are available from the
FTC's Public Reference Branch, Room 130, same address; 202-326-
2222; TTY 202-326-2502.

                              # # #

MEDIA CONTACT:      Susan Ticknor, Office of Public Affairs,
                    202-326-2181

STAFF CONTACT:      John Mendenhall, Cleveland Regional Office,
                    216-522-4210

(games)