[JM]

Baystatepoker.com runs most of those tourneys in our area Paul. There is no way to run a poker game in MA that has anything to do with cash unless it is for a charity. And even then it is subject to certain limitations set forth by the lottery commission (length of time, payouts, etc). For instance, they have to end after 5 hours. They can't pay cash over $100 as a prize, it has to be gift cards (they use amex gift cards for payments now). They used to pay cash prizes, but the state got cranky about it and made sure they knew they couldn't do that. When they were doing that, if it was over $600, they had to fill out tax forms, etc. The event had to be approved by the local town/police chief and there seems to be a limit on the number of times a single charity can hold a tourney in one year (looks to be twice). You can't even own a slot machine in the state unless it is an antique mechanical type and nevermind videopoker machines.

The guys at baystate are very good at it, they've got it down pat and they are good guys as well. Most of the ones running it are officers on various departments around the area (I know a couple of them). You should talk to them about it, they were at one point interested in partners. If you want more info, drop me a pm.