[jmda]

I am not familiar with MA laws, but if it is anything like KYs laws. The avenue for a legit or legal game is to hold one in a residence. A private game in a place of business is somewhat illegal in KY. There are ways around it. In KY a private club can rent space and hold poker games. Members would have to pay fairly large membership fees to cover expenses.

I am aware of a local game that takes a rake to cover expenses, but that is actually a class d felony if caught in KY.

Hooters and a few other bars here in the Louisville area held some tournaments that were well attended, but they were free entry and they could only give away prizes not money. I heard they were a little stupid, with no money on the line you can get some pretty bad play.

I met a few local players through a local poker forum and have attended and hosted some great tournaments with them. That may be an avenue to meet and find places to play.