Poker Players Alliance Forums » State - ID

Charitable poker

(6 posts)
  • Started 1 month ago by bg132010
  • Latest reply from Brian McClatchey

  1. bg132010
    Member
    Visit User Profile

    Idaho police and the state Lottery Commission are not enforcing the constitutional prohibition on poker when charities are involved. This has been the case for years.

    Idaho Constitution Art. III, Sec. 20(1): "Gambling is . . . strictly prohibited except for . . . Bingo and raffle games that are operated by qualified charitable organizations . . ."

    Sec. 20(2): "No activities permitted by subsection (1) shall employ any form of casino gambling including . . . poker. . . ."

    However, with the Idaho Lottery Commission's full knowledge, hold 'em tournaments for charitable purposes are still conducted. Here's just one:

    http://www.idahopress.com/news/local/article_65fe89f2-1ebb-11df-abc3-001cc4c03286.html

    Note the last line of the article: "Organizers wanted to thank the community and those who donated the prizes, as well as the district employees and officials with the Idaho Lottery Commission that helped make the event a success."

    If the law really says "no poker" and (apparently) means "no poker," how can there be apparently legally sanctioned charitable tournaments?

    Posted 1 month ago #

  2. Big Jim Slade v2.0
    Moderator
    Visit User Profile

    I have no actual knowledge of Idaho, Idaho law, or poker in Idaho. But still, I like to hear myself type anyway.

    Once I asked a policeman about charity poker games, which might actually not be legal in the area. His response indicated that they look the other way. If I recall what was said by this minor functionary, basically if they don't receive complaints, they don't bother to investigate. He told me that if they know about the charity event, it just is no concern of to them.

    I'm sure I have no realistic answer for Mr. Bg132010 as to why the law is not enforced.

    In other news, most states have laws on the books making adultery a criminal act. In Idaho as I recall, this is actually a felony. For some reason, I don't know why, in most states the authorities just look the other way. For the most part there have been no criminal prosecutions for adultery since World War Two. Well, there was an adultery prosecution a few years back in Alabama, but really it hardly ever happens.

    My suspicion is that in many jurisdictions the powers that be just choose to overlook many of the laws.

    So, why do you care? Do you want them to enforce the law? Or are you trying to get a game going?

    Posted 1 month ago #

  3. bg132010
    Member
    Visit User Profile

    I can think of a dozen easier ways to get a game going than posting here.

    I just want the state to decide whether folks can play poker legally in Idaho, that's all. According to the people I've asked, poker's illegal in Idaho, even friendly home games. And yeah - I was born at night, but it wasn't last night. I understand that the cops have priorities - some laws don't get enforced. Like adultery, check kiting is against the law, but there are lots of good reasons not to do those things, other than the fact that they're illegal. By contrast, there's no good reason to keep poker illegal in Idaho, and we know this because the cops look the other way when the little old ladies play hold 'em at a charity tournament.

    Posted 1 month ago #

  4. Big Jim Slade v2.0
    Moderator
    Visit User Profile

    If you did want to get a charitable game going (you say you do not,) I'd suggest you find a member of your state General Assembly (or whatever it is called in your state) to sponsor a bill to change the law. Apparently in your case it is more difficult as it might require a state constitutional amendment.

    If want you in fact want is a clarification, the way to do this is to write a letter to the Attorney General of your state asking him to clarify the law. In actual practice he will likely ignore your letter, or give you a reply saying he can't give *you* a reply.

    The way you get around this in most states is that you get either a local county District Attorney or an elected member of the state General Assembly to write the letter. The Attorney General is required to answer such a request from such a state official. (Probably the Sheriff or Police Chief will work as well as the letter writer.)

    While I have outlined what I believe is an effective methodology to obtain what you have asked for, it might have unintended consequences. I suspect that is that charity poker games will cease to exist in your jurisdiction.

    Let me know how it turns out.

    Posted 1 month ago #

  5. Wendy Nutting
    State Co-Director
    Visit User Profile

    Wonderful news :o) I am very happy to announce that the PPA will be putting on our first Idaho charity poker tournament event in Coeur d' Alene, ID. You both helped me (above) in guiding me towards how to put this on without breaking any laws. Idaho has one of the strictest "no social gambling laws". The police do look the other way most of the time when it is in the privacy of your own home. But, they enforce when you try to organize any type of charitable event using poker and/or $$. I have the opportunity to offer a "4 day Vegas vacation" as first prize (donated by local roofing company). All you have to do to play is; donate to charity we are supporting.

    Any advice or support is always appreciated!

    Proud to Play,

    Wendy Nutting
    PPA Idaho State Director
    cnwstuck@verizon.net

    Posted 1 month ago #

  6. Brian McClatchey
    Member
    Visit User Profile

    Cool! When's the tournament, and is the PPA a charity?

    Posted 3 weeks ago #

Reply

You must log in to post.