excerpt:

“We are aware of it,” said South Precinct Lt. James Koutsky, when asked of the alleged illegal gambling taking place at the café. “And our community police team is following up on it.”

But there is a chance that what they’re doing is not illegal. According to Washington state gambling laws, it is not illegal to play poker unless the house, in this case Tong, is taking a portion of the winnings or charging a fee to play.

The specific law that may prove an Achilles heal, or a vindication, for Tong’s café is Revised Code of Washington 9.46.0325 covering social card games. The law reads that “any person, association or organization operating an established business primarily engaged in the selling of food or drink for consumption on the premises to conduct social card games… as a commercial stimulant to such business when licensed and utilized or operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.”

Pacific Publishing Company – Alleged gambling club raises concern with Hillman City residents

Author Contact Info: Peter Kearns

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