home games are generally left alone in my part of the country, I have seen problems when folks start charging for alcohol, that is when the cops show up.
Reading a lot of these laws you see a common theme; states really don’t want people profiting from other people’s gambling. Thus is really apparently in the newer laws. Evidently PA takes in the highest amount of tax from gaming and that is what all this is about. The state want their tax money or a license.
I do wish they would clarify but you never hear of any issue with home games until someone is trying to make money as an operator.
I only mention playing with cops because most generally do not like to put themselves in situations that could negatively impact their career. Law enforcement doesn’t seem to be as lenient on each other as they maybe were 20-30 years ago. For example I’ve heard of many examples of police giving DUIs to off duty cops. My cop friend usually won’t drink a single beer if he is driving....but plays cards every chance he has.
Frogzilla, when a state with casinos prohibits rake-free private poker, you can bet it's because the casinos support that policy as it promotes their business.
I meet all of those except for 2(ii), and 6 ..Maryland rules suck!
§ 9-1C-01. Home games
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Criminal Law Article, an individual who is at least 21 years old may conduct a home game involving wagering if the home game:
(1) is limited to mah jong or a card game;
(2) is conducted not more than once a week:
(i) in the place of residence of an individual who may also participate as a player in the home game; or(ii) in a common area of a residential property that is restricted to residents who are at least 55 years old;(3) allows a player to compete directly against one or more other players who share a preexisting social relationship;
(4) does not allow an individual to benefit financially in any way, directly or indirectly, other than from the winnings accrued by participating as a player in the game;
(5) does not involve:
(i) a player's use of an electronic device that connects to the Internet;(ii) the use of paid public advertising or promotions;(iii) the charging of a fee for admission, a seat, entertainment, or food and drink or any other fee; or(iv) the use of any money except money used for wagering; and(6) has a limit of $ 1,000 on the total amount of money, tokens representing money, or any other thing or consideration of value that may be wagered by all players during any 24-hour period.
I’ve played in one or two “cop games” that included more than dozen LEOs including swot types and state police types. Interesting experience to say the least esp when there is literally a Sherrif taking the role of table sherrif.
^^^^^
THIS
Stay Safe: No hookers and blow during cards.
In 2012 Chattanooga police raided a $20 buy-in game. Chattanooga police spokesman Officer Nathan Hartwig said "If we get calls on it, we're going to investigate it as minor as it may be. We have guys in our department who are specifically tasked to do that."I’m shocked at how many states outlaw rake-free social home games. Especially the states that have casinos!
Does anyone in these states know of a genuine social game getting busted/someone getting fined for just the poker (no excessive noise, no drugs, etc)
Ask the police. They are here to help you with questions like that.
Actually I dropped in at my local police station (RCMP detachment) and did just that. While they didn't give me a direct answer, they did direct me to the government agency that enforces gaming rules in my province (British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch). During a phone call to them, the person read through the rules (basically the Canadian Criminal Code, which pretty much prohibits any gaming for money) which I had read online, and the BCGPEB interpretation bulletin, which is not available online. She then told me that as long as the games were occasional and nobody was making any money other than winnings, they would not consider that a violation. She also told me good luck and have fun with my home game!Yeah right
I suspect that this is not a grey area, it seems that there are violations occurring without a license (because money is being collected that is not returned to the players in its entirety), even though your intentions are honorable. But unless someone in your group complains to the authorities, I would guess that the odds of having a visit from the Police/BCGPEB are pretty slim.I have to admit, even my volunteer charity events does skirt various grey areas of provincial gaming law, because I don't apply for a license for my events. I protect myself and others with the following general rules:
- events take place in a private residence
- everybody who participates has their name on a guest list, and is not open to members of the general public; there is more than strictly social relationship established between hosts and attendees
- all money gathered gets donated to charity, with nothing held back for any reason
- donated money must go a registered charity, which is not pre-specified nor come from a suggested list
- all expenses covered by host with no monetary compensation
- tournament prizes are furnished by the host, is never cash, nor commensurate with the amount of money collected
- all other laws and bylaws adhered to i.e. no consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, etc.
I suspect that this is not a grey area, it seems that there are violations occurring without a license (because money is being collected that is not returned to the players in its entirety), even though your intentions are honorable. But unless someone in your group complains to the authorities, I would guess that the odds of having a visit from the Police/BCGPEB are pretty slim.
That could be an interesting argument - everybody who is coming to your fundraiser is making a donation to a charity when they arrive, and an unrelated poker event for no money paid and nothing wagered occurs later. I like it!It's gambling if there's a chance you can win something of value. Everyone is guaranteed to lose 100% of their wagers at my fundraising events. But they will have a fun time losing it!
Sad part is, there is (was?) a thread where a once frequent member was busted. The law enforcement officer testified against him.All State laws aside, in my experience the best way to avoid having your game get busted is to have a local law enforcement officer or judge play in your game.
Also, don’t have any well-connected neighbors easily annoyed by a bunch of strangers showing up in the neighborhood every week or two.
Think about it. If the police get a complaint, and a LEO is involved, the cops are going to give their buddy a chance to keep his job. The LEO may then be convinced to be "undercover".
Missouri Law on Private Gambling / Home Poker GamesAll legal in MO
The police won't make your game safer. The idea that someone would solicit police officers to break the law so their game doesn't get busted ludicrous.
That could be an interesting argument - everybody who is coming to your fundraiser is making a donation to a charity when they arrive, and an unrelated poker event for no money paid and nothing wagered occurs later. I like it!