A couple months ago Senator Karpisek introduced the bill to legalize charity poker in Nebraska but it never made it out of committee. The main reason is that the senators were concerned that if charity poker was legal, that would then open the door to the Indians opening up 'poker palaces' all over the state on their land. The opposition claimed that the Indians would not have to follow the same restrictions as everyone else (percentage of the proceeds go to charity, charities must apply for and get approved for a permit to sponsor a charity poker event, losses are limited at $1,000, etc.). They said that as long as poker is allowed in any manner in Nebraska, then they (the Indians) could not be restricted in any way. I can't get anyone to confirm for sure whether or not this is true so if you are able to confirm it either way, please let me know (guppick@gmail.com) or just post a response here.
Here's a clip from the hearing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9AwyoHJF1w
What are the chances of legalizing charity poker yet? Well, I was going to propose that an amendment be added that says a facility could not host a poker tournament two weeks in a row which would prevent all these 'poker palaces' from opening up in Nebraska as they couldn't make enough money to stay open with that restriction in place. I believe Illinois has a similar type restriction. Of course if the Indians don't have to follow that restriction either, then there is no point in offering that amendment.
In my opinion, I don't think the Indians would bother opening up poker rooms anyway as poker is one of the least profitable games at a casino. Nebraska voted down to allow casinos in Nebraska a few years ago. They probably feel using the argument that if this is allowed then it will open the door for the Indians to get casinos will be their best approach.
There were several people that spoke against poker (all lined up by the lady you'll see in the tv clip) including a husband and wife who talked about how gambling has destroyed their life financially and almost their marriage. Of course he never mentioned once that it was poker that got him in trouble but insisted any type of gambling like this is bad. One old guy (some sort of counselor) said he's helped a lot of people over the years with gambling addiction and he said any type of gambling, no matter how much it is, gets people started on the addiction. I was glad to see one of the senators question him on that opinion but the old guy stuck to his guns and said, "Yep. Even if you're playing penny slots, you're likely to become a gambling addict." As they say on SNL, Really....
What was frustrating at this hearing is that the proponents speak first, then the opponents and you don't get a chance to comment about their points like they do mine. The first thing the lady pointed out was that she thinks the reason I wanted to legalize charity poker was not because I wanted to help charities, businesses or the state but because I have a business myself where I build and sell poker tables. She made it seem like that was my main source of income which in reality is just a hobby for me. Sure I could make a few extra tables but that in now way is why I want to legalize charity poker.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a lobbyist for the volunteer firefighters speak saying they would love to see it passed as it would enable them to generate much needed revenue for them. Unfortunately that was all that spoke for it besides me (and the Senator). A couple other people said they'd speak at it but never showed up.
Anyway, this whole process has been a learning experience for me. I'd like to see if I can get Senator Karpisek to introduce it again next year but unless we find out for sure Indians don't have to follow the same rules for hosting poker, then it's not going to happen.
Brian Pick
Omaha, NE
PS: You can check out my charity poker site at http://www.legalizecharitypoker.com