[R Deckard]

How about putting a coffee can by the front door labeled "Family Food Fund, contributions GREATLY appreciated."

[PocketRocket]

These days ... someone would probably steal the can.

Originally Posted by R Deckard

How about putting a coffee can by the front door labeled "Family Food Fund, contributions GREATLY appreciated."

[OnTheButton]

Originally Posted by Wylecoyo

If it is a friendly game and you know all the players are you really concerned someone is going to turn you in?

Because I am a square. I pride myself on following the rules, and keeping my nose clean.

Many of my guests even ASK why I don't "take a cut for the house" and I tell them that it is because it is illegal.

Also, ya'll know, sometimes friends bring friends, ask for extra seats for people, etc. And even if you know 99% of the people, 1% is enough to ruin your day. I don't care who "vouches" for them, I'd still be the one to pay the price in the end. What are you going to say, "But officer, Billy VOUCHED for him, doesn't that let me off the hook? Go talk to Billy!"

Because if someones cousin stole money from his mom's pocketbook, and lost it at my poker game. And if I was taking a "rake" now I'm the one at fault.

I don't want to risk the home and the companies I own, that took me most of my adult life to attain, and can take just one stupid moment to lose.

That is why I worry.

[PocketRocket]

Nothing wrong with keeping one's nose clean and doing things right. Especially if there are a lot of players (i.e. multiple tables). And you're very right that while you are extending your hospitality in hosting the game, you also remain legally liable while those guests are in your home. As one gains assets in life, there is a greater need to act responsibly so that some opportunists doesn't find a way of taking it all away from you.

Originally Posted by OnTheButton

Because I am a square. I pride myself on following the rules, and keeping my nose clean.

[Poboy]

I suggest not having anything for the next game. That will probably solve your problem. Set the game time a little early so that people can run to the store, then start at your usual time.
I also think the club membership dues is worth looking into. Your club could be a knitting club that happens to play poker once a week, so I don't see how the dues could get you 'caught'.

[agalvan]

Would this work?

Let me set up a scenario:
You are hosting a $20 buy-in tournament and their are 27 players including yourself. You dished out about $200 on food and beverages plus you figure you are due some money for setting up and cleaning up (let's say $60). This works out to $10 per person.

Here's what you do:
Right before the tournament begins, you will join each table for a quick "cash game." Each player must buy in for $30 with blinds at $5/$10. Give everybody one $20 chip and two $5 chips (or however you want to do it). For the first hand you should be in the big blind. Everybody limps in for $10. Last to act, you go "all in" for another $20 and everybody folds "out of fear". After winning that hand, you decide to change tables. Do this at every table until everybody has "lost" $10 to you. Now they can use their $20 chip to buy into the main tournament.

Keep it between friends only:
All your close friends will know how it is all supposed to work so there will be no problem there. Any "friends of friends" that show up will probably be asking questions, but you just have to tell them it is a cash game. There is a chance they will play and win the money, but they might play and fold along with everybody else. Or you can make the "cash game" optional. As long as there is no mention to any "friends of friends" that they are "supposed" to fold, I don't see how they can prove there was a "rake".

[PocketRocket]

Just for the sake of those who are thinking that a "club membership" is a way of skirting this, organizations like the Elks Club are required to have an On-Sale (for on the premises consumption) liquor license in Calfornia for their private clubs. However this does let them sell liquor (no-host bar) when they rent out the hall for a member's private event.

Originally Posted by Poboy

I also think the club membership dues is worth looking into. Your club could be a knitting club that happens to play poker once a week, so I don't see how the dues could get you 'caught'.

[hunterking]

Originally Posted by agalvan

Would this work?

Let me set up a scenario:
You are hosting a $20 buy-in tournament and their are 27 players including yourself. You dished out about $200 on food and beverages plus you figure you are due some money for setting up and cleaning up (let's say $60). This works out to $10 per person.

Here's what you do:
Right before the tournament begins, you will join each table for a quick "cash game." Each player must buy in for $30 with blinds at $5/$10. Give everybody one $20 chip and two $5 chips (or however you want to do it). For the first hand you should be in the big blind. Everybody limps in for $10. Last to act, you go "all in" for another $20 and everybody folds "out of fear". After winning that hand, you decide to change tables. Do this at every table until everybody has "lost" $10 to you. Now they can use their $20 chip to buy into the main tournament.

Keep it between friends only:
All your close friends will know how it is all supposed to work so there will be no problem there. Any "friends of friends" that show up will probably be asking questions, but you just have to tell them it is a cash game. There is a chance they will play and win the money, but they might play and fold along with everybody else. Or you can make the "cash game" optional. As long as there is no mention to any "friends of friends" that they are "supposed" to fold, I don't see how they can prove there was a "rake".

very nice...

[Captn_All_In]

Originally Posted by agalvan

Would this work?

That works out great....until I am in the small blind holdin !!!!



HEHEHEE j/k!

[shadesofgrey]

Originally Posted by agalvan

Would this work?

Let me set up a scenario:
You are hosting a $20 buy-in tournament and their are 27 players including yourself. You dished out about $200 on food and beverages plus you figure you are due some money for setting up and cleaning up (let's say $60). This works out to $10 per person.

Here's what you do:
Right before the tournament begins, you will join each table for a quick "cash game." Each player must buy in for $30 with blinds at $5/$10. Give everybody one $20 chip and two $5 chips (or however you want to do it). For the first hand you should be in the big blind. Everybody limps in for $10. Last to act, you go "all in" for another $20 and everybody folds "out of fear". After winning that hand, you decide to change tables. Do this at every table until everybody has "lost" $10 to you. Now they can use their $20 chip to buy into the main tournament.

Keep it between friends only:
All your close friends will know how it is all supposed to work so there will be no problem there. Any "friends of friends" that show up will probably be asking questions, but you just have to tell them it is a cash game. There is a chance they will play and win the money, but they might play and fold along with everybody else. Or you can make the "cash game" optional. As long as there is no mention to any "friends of friends" that they are "supposed" to fold, I don't see how they can prove there was a "rake".

Nice! that made me laugh

No officer - they all folded to me... No house rake here Just a bunch of people who dont understand the value of their starting hand....

Now you just need about 20 people who are willing to play this game off of Craigs list.. j/k