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Popular poker game proposed to raise funds for
groups
Card
players who know when to holdem and know when to foldem won't have to run
from the poker table, thanks to legislation being considered by the Delaware
General Assembly.
House Bill 211 would allow fire companies, fraternal organizations and other
charitable groups to hold no-limit Texas Holdem tournaments as fund-raising
events.
The card game has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to
televised tournaments and easy access to games played over the Internet.
While bills to authorize additional casinos have gone nowhere in the
legislature, this measure has more support.
The bill was suggested by Delaware volunteer fire companies, who have sway
in Legislative Hall.
"I am not a
big fan of gambling but this is a popular game and unfortunately it can be a
good fund-raiser for them," said House Majority Whip Rep. Clifford Lee,
R-Laurel, the measure's sponsor.
Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, who opposes allowing more casinos or new games in the
existing ones, supports HB 211, said her spokesman Gregory B. Patterson.
Many legislators send out surveys each year to constituents on various
issues.
Most come back with constituents decidedly against more gambling, but those
questions do not mention gambling that benefits nonprofit groups such as
fire companies.
"I think if the surveys said 'charitable gaming' instead of just more
gambling, you would see a different response," Rep. Lee said.
The bill
lays out rules each tournament must follow and gives oversight to the
state's Gaming Control Board. The group sponsoring each tournament must
receive a license from the board. The licenses cost $250 apiece.
The measure is slated to be voted on Tuesday in the House of
Representatives.
The bill appeared on the chamber's agenda Thursday but was pulled after some
legislators said they had not heard from their local fire companies about
the measure.
"The fire companies have some more stoking to do," said Rep. Robert Valihura,
R-Wilmington.
By Tuesday, Rep. Lee predicted, lawmakers needing input would have received
more than enough.
"At least every Republican legislator will have heard loud and clear from
their fire companies that this is something they need as a fund-raiser,"
Rep. Lee said.
Not all fire companies will benefit, however.
Robbins Hose Co. Assistant Chief David Carey said the Dover fire department
never has considered holding a Texas Holdem tournament, and couldn't, even
if the legislature opened the door.
"Our bylaws state that there is to be no gambling of any type in the fire
station," Mr. Carey said.
"We wouldn't be interested in doing that anyway."
Before the
House approves the bill, it will be amended to include language that
requires tournament sponsors to post the number of the state's toll-free
gambling addiction hotline.
Lisa B. Pertzoff, executive director of the Delaware Council on Gambling
Problems, said her agency wants to work with the groups holding these
tournaments.
"We do not want to rain on their parade," she said.
"We want to make information available so people who step over the line know
help is out there for them."
The agency received its first call from a Texas Holdem addict this week, she
said.
The game is popular with men, especially college students, she said, because
players do not rely on dumb luck.
"It's a macho thing because it is a game of skill," she said.
"You can turn on the television and see professional poker players who are
very good. Not everyone is that good. People don't always recognize that."
What do you think?
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