Poker; definition of illegal gambling and charitable gaming, etc. (SB172)

Introduced By

Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax)

Description

Poker; definition of illegal gambling and charitable gaming; poker games authorized; regulation of poker tournaments.  Provides that poker is a game of skill and therefore not illegal gambling. The bill also allows a qualified organization to conduct poker games in conjunction with its charitable gaming activities, but does not allow charitable organization to conduct poker tournaments. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Charitable Gaming Board to regulate poker tournaments, defined in the bill as a competition organized for the purpose of conducting poker games at one or multiple tables where (i) competitors play a series of poker games, (ii) prizes are awarded to winning players on a fixed or proportional payout basis, and (iii) the total prize amount awarded to all winning players at the event is $50,000 or more. Finally, the bill requires poker tournament sponsors to obtain a permit before conducting a tournament, and tournament manager and operators to be registered with the Department. The bill contains technical amendments. Read the Bill »

Outcome

History