TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

AUGUSTA — Charities looking to cash in on the poker craze would be allowed to do so six times a year under a bill that gained House approval Tuesday. The so-called Texas Holdem bill would allow groups to hold high-stakes poker games with the permission of state police. The maximum entry fee for the games would be $100 per person. Only 100 people would be able to play at a time.

Supporters say the bill makes legal and regulates what's already going on in many Maine social clubs and charities.

"There are very strict limits on it," said Sen. Kenneth Gagnon, D-Waterville. "Most charitable organizations are using the funds for charitable work."

The bill requires 75 percent of the money raised at card games to be given to charity.

An organization can apply for a license only once every two months.

The House passed the bill 120-25 Tuesday and the Senate referred it to the Appropriations Committee for review because it adds three staff positions to the Department of Public Safety.

Baldacci spokesman Lynn Kippax said the governor had not yet decided whether to sign the bill into law, and he reiterated Baldacci's opposition to gambling.

"The governor is opposed to the expansion of gambling in Maine," he said.

If the bill makes it to his desk, Baldacci has 10 days to decide whether to sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature.