Local poker games news reports

[Rick]

Ok, I figured to start a new thread on this since it could be interesting to at least 100% of the people here. :)

The channel 4 news reports was not as informative as one would like but local news today is more sound bites than substance anyway (Editorial)

The heart of the matter was that the Colorado Gaming Commission would be seeking 'clarification' for the definition of gambling.

1- Mentioned were poker games played for free where you win prizes, ala the current growing line up of poker in pubs.

2- Games played where you pay an entry fee and money is returned to the players in the prize pool.

3- Games where the house takes a cut (rake).

2 and 3 seem to be generating the most question, though 3 is pretty much a slam dunk unless you are a licensed casino.

I get anywhere from 1-300 news items sent to me a day and one of the biggest news showing up is local governments trying to deal with the growth of poker games. Many/most so far have decided to allow it as long as they don't break the existing laws regarding gambling, in all cases, the rake and some have decided to ban it pending further review. At least 1 is looking at taxing it ( imagine that :roll: )

The biggest concern in many places is the charity games. Poker is fast replacing bingo and bake sales as a way for charities and local groups, soccer leagues, little league etc, to raise funds.

One article I read said that the local bingo charity game raised $1500 a month and when they changed to poker it jumped tp $14,000 :shock:

Poker no longer flies under the radar, and with popularity comes the spotlight.

Unfortunately with the growth, we will and do have people running games that may be 'questionable', either out of ignorance, very likely, and greed, even more likely, that will cast a pall on the entire game.

A suggestion would be to play only at known games, keep you cash in your pocket whenever you are at a table and keep your bail bondsmans card handy.

Maybe I will work on getting a DP group bonding plan set up :D

[Wetdog]

I too saw about 30 seconds on the news this morning about that. They are pretty concerned that someone might be making money off this. :shock: Worst of all they could be missing out on levying some tax or another.

I was at TG's last night at a CSL event. They have a very firm rule that cash not be on the table at any time. No doubt to dispell any hint of impropriety. I fully support this rule to keep our games clean. Since there were no dealers, there's no need to pass a toke across the table.

I'm sure there will be some question about prizes awarded that may bump into some regulation about raffles. This will be sorted out in due time, no doubt not to our satisfaction.

[tjholdem]

Still, it is going to come down to casino table games vs. skill games. As you all are aware, California passed a law years ago that set poker type games apart from other casino table games calling it a game of skill, not a game of chance...thus, poker does not fall under the same gambling rules in CA.

[Wetdog]

I think you hit on the real reason it's being looked at, the CASINOS. They don't want to lose any business to pub games. And they have lobbyists who keep the legislature well fed. I think it would take a grass roots effort to keep this issue from being snowed under by the big money interests.

[Rick]

They don't want to lose any business to pub games

Very true, also very misguided.

They already have full tables and hours long waiting lists. If they want more players, they better add more tables and games. Not make the wait longer.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.


thus, poker does not fall under the same gambling rules in CA.

I think it was the 9th Disctrict Court that ruled on that. Which is why including Vegas and AC, some the biggest poker tourneys are in CA casinos and card rooms. Major tourneys are run weekly with millions up for grabs every month.

[niftyneat]

I think you hit on the real reason it's being looked at, the CASINOS. They don't want to lose any business to pub games....

I think also that the Casinos only squawk when they get their toes stepped on. As long as they are making money, they might keep quiet, but cut into their action and look out!

With all of the new interest in Poker, lots of new players are entering the scene "down here" to learn, and they eventually head "up there" to spend their money. But if folks can get a better game down here and The Hill starts losing business, then they bring out the big guns and holler "foul".

[WSoP21]

to be honest i wouldnt mind seeing the popularity of poker come down a little. Sure i love taking money off those that dnt play all to offten but i feel this risk is greater then the reward.

[tjholdem]

I think also that the Casinos only squawk when they get their toes stepped on. As long as they are making money, they might keep quiet, but cut into their action and look out!

With all of the new interest in Poker, lots of new players are entering the scene "down here" to learn, and they eventually head "up there" to spend their money. But if folks can get a better game down here and The Hill starts losing business, then they bring out the big guns and holler "foul".

CLearly, the casinos could do better themselves by developing more ....and bigger poker rooms if they wanted to....now, they are just whining.

[Vandal99]

Still, it is going to come down to casino table games vs. skill games. As you all are aware, California passed a law years ago that set poker type games apart from other casino table games calling it a game of skill, not a game of chance...thus, poker does not fall under the same gambling rules in CA.

California Had a tough time too, at first only 5 card draw was considered a game of skill, so only it was legal, it wasn't until later that stud and hold'em were ok'd. From what I've heard, 5 card draw was popular with church groups, and they were some of the big proponents.

[Rick]

What I find interesting is the insane reach some of these people will go to saying that it's profiting from gambling.

Take Wyoming right now. The illustrious AG has decided that even though the poker games in the bars are free, no entry fees, not juice, no rake and the players win stuff for free it's still illegal, 'they think'.

Why?

Because the bar 'profits' from the players buying food and drinks :shock:

This is absolutely ludicrous. What on earth are they thinking.

Taking that misguided logic, when traveling back from Las Vegas, after I win a ton of cash, if I stop in Wyoming and use that $$$ to buy lunch, the restaurant would be guilty of illegally profiting from gambling.

Really, the lengths that the few will take to make sure the many fall into line. :evil:

[Wetdog]

What about the profits from selling food and drink during football games? Isn't there some wagering going on then?

I think they ought to shut down all the bars and restaurants in Wyo. They're too stupid to drink or eat up there apparently.

Why hasn't natural selection thinned out that herd?

[tjholdem]

What about the profits from selling food and drink during football games? Isn't there some wagering going on then?

I think they ought to shut down all the bars and restaurants in Wyo. They're too stupid to drink or eat up there apparently.

Why hasn't natural selection thinned out that herd?

Can't see the connection to poker in a bar w/food and drink and food and drink at a football game.

But I do understand your thoughts about Wyoming. My question, dog boy, is this: You use the word herd...and I bet you say that with a sheepish grin. I know men are men and sheep are nervous up there, but are you trying to tell us something else????

I guess if you are playing poker up there, you need to be aware of those who are trying to pull the wool over your eyes......ya think......NAAAAAAAAAAA!!

[Wetdog]

What about the profits from selling food and drink during football games? Isn't there some wagering going on then?



skeleton boy: :D

I'm talking about the same thing as Rick was saying. What of the profits of activities 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more times removed? They should shut down ALL businesses that can profit thence.

And as for your choice of puns, well done. I'll raise you on that topic later.

[tjholdem]

yea doggie...its kinda like suing the farmer for growing the grain that makes the booze taht someone drank, then got into a car accident and killed someone.

[Rick]

Well it is spreading it seems. Tourney poker in the bars in the Chicago area have been 'temporarily suspended' :x

[tjholdem]

Well it is spreading it seems. Tourney poker in the bars in the Chicago area have been 'temporarily suspended' :x

Gotta get back to my old stomping grounds in Chi town and spread the word to get the vote out....the chicago way.....Vote Early, Vote often.

[WSoP21]

To be honest only way poker will serive as we know it now is for it to go back under ground and stay hidden away from those that wish to do it harm. Sure we might lose osme player but the one that want to turely play will know where to look

[tjholdem]

To be honest only way poker will serive as we know it now is for it to go back under ground and stay hidden away from those that wish to do it harm. Sure we might lose osme player but the one that want to turely play will know where to look

I totally agree with you Jason. Some players may jump ship, but the hard cores will continue to play.

[Vandal99]

So who out there knows some attorneys or state congressmen, while poker is at its height of popularity, why don't we try to change the definition to a game of skill, once it's legalized, its a lot harder for the state to criminalize it again. Lets use the extra attention to further our cause, not just bring the negative attention.