A poker series slated to start next weekend has been halted before it begins.

Local officials notified organizers for the series of Saturday afternoon card tournaments — planned as fundraisers for a North Pole charity — after learning they would violate state gambling laws.

The poker games were scheduled to be hosted by a South Fairbanks bar and dance hall. Fairbanks Police Chief Dan Hoffman said he raised a red flag after state attorneys determined the events would violate state gaming laws.

The series had been scheduled to run on almost every Saturday through March and April. It would have benefitted the charity Santa’s Mailbag, a North Pole-based charity that answers letters mailed to Santa from around the world.

“We hope, in the future, we can do something,” charity volunteer Frank Gaborik said.

Hoffman said the heavily advertised poker series would not have fallen into the categories of more violent crimes his department focuses much of its time and resources fighting.

“But state law is clear, and I have to step up and tell the folks this is in violation of state law and don’t do this,” he said.

Staff from the Alaska Beverage Control Board also has contacted the owners of the Silver Spur bar, where the series was set to be held, to help educate them about the state’s gambling laws.

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Author Contact Info: Chris Eshleman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner