A new law meant to curb illegal gambling in Wyoming could make friendly, bar-style poker games illegal.
Wyoming has a long history of card games played in bars and fraternal clubs. The businesses often charge a fee along with selling food and drinks. That could be coming to an end.
Legislators were looking to crack down on the games, claiming they have become more than simple, social entertainment as intended in state law.
“We were dealing with people who were running poker halls,” Sen. John Kolb (R) told the Cowboy State Daily.
No More Rake, Advertising, Or Tipping
Senate Bill 44 specifies exactly what types of poker games are now allowed in the state of just over 575,000 people.
First off, players must have a “bona fide social relationship,” meaning a prior relationship outside of gambling. Additionally, games can’t be advertised. Any mention of the games on a bar website or signage would violate the law.
Also, businesses can’t charge any fees or rake for running the games, and dealers cannot accept tips. The law says no one is allowed to gain “any remuneration from facilitating, participating in, hosting, or organizing the game, wager, or transaction other than the direct realization of winnings.”
Gov. Mark Gordon (R) signed SB 44 into law on March 6.
Big Impact On Small Games
The new law will have an immediate impact on businesses like The Bull Moose Saloon in Alpine, Wyoming. According to the Cowboy State Daily report, the business has hosted poker games in a room above the bar on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The venue, known as Yo’s Poker Palace, brings in a dozen or less players each week. Businesses like the Bull Moose might need to get creative to keep from violating the law. Or they might need to shut down their games.
Beyond poker, raffle-style games popular in the state’s bars are also now illegal.
Poker isn’t only under attack in Wyoming. Poker clubs in Texas may also be in jeopardy after The Lodge in Round Rock was recently raided by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and the IRS.
The commission is alleging the property was involved in a money laundering scheme, but co-owner Doug Polk denied the charges.
