Anti-Poker Bill In Oregon On The TableMeasure Would Shut Down Businesses Of Many Card Rooms |
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A bill currently on the table in Oregon would crack down on card rooms in the state.
The Oregonian reported that some lawmakers are displeased with the proliferation of such games since the state authorized “social gaming” more than two decades ago.
“Things have exploded,” a state lawmaker told The Oregonian. “It’s kind of like hookah lounges.”
According to one owner of a card room in Portland, the games don’t feature a rake. All the money stays in the pot, so to speak, but the establishment makes money from other amenities like food and drinks, or a cover fee to enter the premises.
In addition to card rooms, bars and taverns around the state offer poker tournaments.
The bill reportedly would make poker games OK for non-profit organizations such as charities.
Oregon has no commercial casinos or racetracks, putting it among the group of states that has pretty limited gambling. While Oregon looks to curb its existing gambling, others on the east coast, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, are looking to beef up their respective industries. Neighboring Oregon is the state of Washington, which also has tight restrictions on gambling, and even online poker.
The bill was introduced earlier this month and is reportedly scheduled for a hearing soon.
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