According to North Carolina's anti-gambling laws, Texas Hold'em games are technically prohibited, though ambiguity in the law has made enforcement somewhat problematic. Efforts are currently being made to change the popular poker game's legal status in the state, by removing the ambiguity, in favor of legalizing Texas Hold'em.

Several bars try to circumvent the gambling classification by hosting Texas Hold'em games in which no betting is involved. Rather, players compete for prizes, such as gift certificates and vacation packages. Although poker game operators and NC's 2,100 member-strong Poker Taverns League believe that Texas Hold'em games like these do not violate the law, authorities have on occasion taken action against similar games.

One case of this occurred at Ham's Restaurant in the city of Greensboro, in which players competed for a chance to win a Las Vegas vacation. Alcohol Law Enforcement officers raided the tournament, though criminal charges filed in connection with the case were ultimately dropped.

The law's ambiguity makes it difficult to organize games of Texas Hold'em, a game whose popularity continues to spread in North Carolina and around the world. Many poker game organizers and state lawyers want to see the end to this ambiguity, so that the residents of North Carolina can play their favorite game in peace.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Tuesday, 10 May 2005