BATON ROUGE (AP) — A bill that would let bars and restaurants in Louisiana hold the popular Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments is headed to the full Senate for debate after winning approval from a Senate committee.

The tournaments have been the subject of dispute because the state’s top liquor regulator believes they violate Louisiana’s gambling laws. Supporters of the bill say they don’t view the poker games as gambling as long as the bars and restaurants don’t get a cut of the wagering.

The bill by Rep. Warren Triche of Thibodaux would allow the businesses to hold poker tournaments once a week for people at least 21 years old as long as the owner

doesn’t get part of the proceeds and doesn’t charge an entrance fee.

The bars and restaurants wouldn’t be able to operate the tournament, furnish supplies like cards and poker chips, or advertise beyond their regular business signs.

Opponents say the tournaments would hurt charitable gaming operations and the bill would expand gambling in Louisiana to more than 20,000 bars.

Triche sponsored a similar bill last year, but it couldn’t win passage in the House. This year, the House narrowly approved the measure. A Senate judiciary committee agreed to it in a 3-1 vote today, sending it to the Senate floor.

If it receives Senate approval, it faces an uncertain future because Gov. Kathleen Blanco has opposed it as an expansion of gambling.

 
Orleans Parish is excluded from the bill.

Click here to go to the article and read more

Author Contact Info: Associated Press