Don't they have anything better to do?

[Molinero]

As you may be aware, I am a frequent participant in Amateur Poker League (www.apl1.net) tourneys here in my area. The popularity of this organization (there are thousands of members in the greater D/FW area) has led me to the belief that, before too long, the state of Texas is going to have to legalize poker.

Until I read this article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/10439087.htm?1c

Thoughts?

[Humphrind]

I think I don't want to sign up for your newspaper to read the story.

Sorry.

[Phew72]

Try this link...http://uk.msnusers.com/FTRPokerStuff...scrutiny%2Edoc

[Molinero]

Sorry...forgot you have to register.

Anyway, here's the gist of it: some folks are asking the TX attorney general to investigate whether it's legal under Texas law to conduct these APL tourneys, since players are eligible for prizes.

It's f'ing absurd. I just wanted to vent, is all.

[Sed]

I know what you mean... NC is in the same situation with the Indian casinos trying to get some card rooms installed.

These people irk me. http://www.ncfpc.org/ Seems like they are against everything I enjoy...

porn, gambling, indecent exposure, nudity on TV, gay marriage... (well I don't enjoy that last one, not that there's anything wrong with it)

- sed

[gutshot]

I haven't read the actual law in TX, but I don't see how the APL tournies are illegal. Nobody is paying a buy-in and everyone has the same chance to win.


Side note.. firefox users: get the BugMeNot extension and never "Sign up" for online newspaper articles again.

[Sed]

Side note.. firefox users: get the BugMeNot extension and never "Sign up" for online newspaper articles again.

thanks gut, that rocks...

- sed

[Gizank]

Sorry to answer an old thread, I haven't looked at the Community forum much.

It just struck me, rather sharply, that a phrase like this:

"Last year, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that eight-liners, similar to slot machines, are illegal gaming devices if their operators reward winners with cash or credit to continue playing."

seems to indicate that something like a pinball machine would be outlawed in Texas, under this interpretation. I know I've spent a LOT of money on pinball machines over the years, and when I crack one I can play for HOURS on the first "buy in" because I tend to pop extra games a lot once I know a machine.

I'm starting to get into some private club and charity poker tourneys here in li'l ol' Delaware, and wonder about the legality of these games. As far as I can tell, if it's not bingo, and not for charity, it's not legal. We have legalized slots, but only at racetracks (we have a NASCAR track and at least one horse track.) I know some people here are lobbying for legalized table games at these places, and a riverboat casino type thing on the waterfront in Wilmington. As far as I can tell from the state laws, poker games aren't legal in Delaware, but almost every convenience store has flyers for games at all the fire halls around here and many of the churches.

As a libertarian, I have serious issues with laws like those against gambling, drugs and prostitution (sound like a real stand-up citizen, don't I?).

More and more, though, I'm learning about the availability of not-quite-home games in the area, and other opportunities to get some table-time in. As poker gets more and more popular, I think there's a realistic chance that many states that now outlaw the game may legalize some sorts of poker rooms or at least public tourneys.

Well, we can hope and be vocal and vote, anyway.

[Sed]

As a libertarian, I have serious issues with laws like those against gambling, drugs and prostitution (sound like a real stand-up citizen, don't I?).

And that is why I have been considering the libertarian party.... I dislike that the government has control over what I can do with my own body/money/time.

-sed