Hosting poker games is not only a crime in the state of Connecticut but also may violate state liquor laws.

On Tuesday, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. issued a
statement emphasizing that “our liquor permit holders … need to
comply with state laws on this issue.”

The alert comes on the heels of a similar announcement in July from
Paul Young, the executive director of the state’s Division of Special
Revenue, reminding the public of the illegality of poker tournaments.

Under Connecticut law, not only poker but also gambling of any kind
“should never be allowed within permit premises,” Farrell stated. He
lists a host of examples that include blackjack, roulette,
pool-selling, bookmaking, dice tables and even pinball machines, “which
award anything other than an immediate and unrecorded right of replay.”

In Connecticut, poker and certain types of gambling, like slot machines
and table games, are legal only at the state’s two tribal casinos,
Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Foxwoods already offers poker
play, and Mohegan Sun plans to open a poker room next summer.

“I am confident that our permit holders realize that their liquor
permits are a privilege, and they do not want to risk either a
suspension or loss of a permit by violating state gambling statutes,”
Farrell said.

According to the Division of Special Revenue, it is illegal for bars
and other business establishments or even a nonprofit group raising
money for a good cause to host poker tournaments.

In one’s home, playing poker with friends and family from week to week
is permissible, but a host cannot legally collect money for running the
game or invite people who have no pre-existing social relationship with
the host, the DSR said earlier this year.

For more information about gambling in Connecticut, permit holders
should review information on the state’s Division of Special Revenue
Web site at www.ct.gov/dosr.

The Day (08/22/07)

Author Contact Info: Patricia Daddona