Not-for-profit organizations in California may soon get to jump on the poker bandwagon if a proposed bill, which would allow charity organizations to hold poker games, successfully passes through the state legislature. It's old news that poker events provides a windfall for charitable institutions, more the any bingo game or bake sale ever could. Currently, however, poker is illegal as a means to raise money for charity in California, even though poker is a popular feature at the state's casinos and card rooms.

A number of not-for-profit organizations have been 'strongly advised' by the office of the state Attorney General that hosting poker events would constitute a breach of the law. Nonetheless, some organizations still continue to host poker fundraisers on the sly. The aforementioned bill, which has already been passed by the California Assembly, will now contend with the Senate for approval. Should the bill move unscathed through the California legislature, charitable organizations will be able to hold poker fundraisers in plain view.

Although the bill would serve to make poker fundraisers legal, the proposed legislation would strictly regulate the games. Firstly, non-profit organizations would be allowed to hold just one poker fundraiser each year, and hosting venues would only be authorized to hold two charitable poker events a year. In addition, prize values have been capped at $5,000, and cash awards are not an option.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Monday, 20 February 2006