[omar]

Well, this has to be the right forum for this question. Some time ago, I recall seeing a website with state by state laws for home poker games. Does anyone know of any such thing? I live in Arkansas so I figure if it's fun, it's illegal. But, I am planning on hosting my second multi-table tourney soon so I figure I should know what can and can't get me in trouble.

[Wylecoyo]

Originally Posted by omar

Well, this has to be the right forum for this question. Some time ago, I recall seeing a website with state by state laws for home poker games. Does anyone know of any such thing? I live in Arkansas so I figure if it's fun, it's illegal. But, I am planning on hosting my second multi-table tourney soon so I figure I should know what can and can't get me in trouble.

Try this: http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/

[erikk]

Originally Posted by Wylecoyo

Try this: http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/

So I've been there before and I know the law for my state but man when is someone going to take that site and provide a transalation in actual english vs legalese.

[Annorax]

Originally Posted by erikk

So I've been there before and I know the law for my state but man when is someone going to take that site and provide a transalation in actual english vs legalese.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. Do not rely on information contained in this post, as I am not technically qualified to make it. I have a technical background which involves interpreting legalese-esque texts, but I am not a lawyer and do not generally work with legalese texts. All I have done is a simple English interpretation. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

In Arkansas, all gambling is illegal. Playing poker is punishable by a $10 to $25 fine. Owning a poker table, chips, or other implements is punishable by up to one year in prison. Anyone found gambling or present where gambling takes place is treated and punished as a vagrant in addition to all other applicable charges. Allowing students of "institutions established by this chapter" (definitely schools and colleges, unsure about daycares and other youth-oriented institutions) to play and/or serving and/or selling alcohol in a place of gambling is punishable by a fine of $5 to $1000 and ten days to three months in jail.

[omar]

Originally Posted by Annorax

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. Do not rely on information contained in this post, as I am not technically qualified to make it. I have a technical background which involves interpreting legalese-esque texts, but I am not a lawyer and do not generally work with legalese texts. All I have done is a simple English interpretation. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

In Arkansas, all gambling is illegal. Playing poker is punishable by a $10 to $25 fine. Owning a poker table, chips, or other implements is punishable by up to one year in prison. Anyone found gambling or present where gambling takes place is treated and punished as a vagrant in addition to all other applicable charges. Allowing students of "institutions established by this chapter" (definitely schools and colleges, unsure about daycares and other youth-oriented institutions) to play and/or serving and/or selling alcohol in a place of gambling is punishable by a fine of $5 to $1000 and ten days to three months in jail.

Thanks! I defintiely got the $10-$25 part when I read it, but I did not catch the "up to one year in prison" or owning a table, chips, etc. Hmmm.

The father of one of the guys that plays regularly with us is the police commissioner in the small town that we live in. So, I am checking thru him as well. Thanks again!

[erikk]

Damn am I glad Idon't live in Arkansas. Sounds to me like one of those laws though that are on the books but are never enforced.

[OnTheButton]

Originally Posted by Annorax

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. Do not rely on information contained in this post, as I am not technically qualified to make it. I have a technical background which involves interpreting legalese-esque texts, but I am not a lawyer and do not generally work with legalese texts. All I have done is a simple English interpretation. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

In Arkansas, all gambling is illegal. Playing poker is punishable by a $10 to $25 fine. Owning a poker table, chips, or other implements is punishable by up to one year in prison. Anyone found gambling or present where gambling takes place is treated and punished as a vagrant in addition to all other applicable charges. Allowing students of "institutions established by this chapter" (definitely schools and colleges, unsure about daycares and other youth-oriented institutions) to play and/or serving and/or selling alcohol in a place of gambling is punishable by a fine of $5 to $1000 and ten days to three months in jail.

Damn, if I lived in Arkansas, I don't think I'd be playing much poker.

Up to one year for having chips and a table?

I'd be someone's prison ***** before long, with all the stuff we have here, and all the adult beverages we've served.

I wonder if playing cards are considered "implements" of gambling.

[erikk]

Not being a lawyer my opinions is worth less than a dice chip but I'd be willing to bet that anyone arrested for having a poker table and chips would be able to fight that law and win. If the law is even constitutional and enforcable I can't imagine a jury anywhere in the world convicting someone on that.

[OnTheButton]

Originally Posted by erikk

Not being a lawyer my opinions is worth less than a dice chip but I'd be willing to bet that anyone arrested for having a poker table and chips would be able to fight that law and win. If the law is even constitutional and enforcable I can't imagine a jury anywhere in the world convicting someone on that.

Of course the law is meant to be challenged, and you can always win.

Well sure you can fight it for oh... about $275 an hour out of your pocket.

And this doesn't sound like jury trial stuff to me, more like a judge imposing a fine and penalty for breaking the law.

[omar]

Originally Posted by erikk

Not being a lawyer my opinions is worth less than a dice chip but I'd be willing to bet that anyone arrested for having a poker table and chips would be able to fight that law and win. If the law is even constitutional and enforcable I can't imagine a jury anywhere in the world convicting someone on that.

To be honest with you, my biggest fear is that I somehow get "busted" and they CONFISCATE my implements (table, CHIPS, cards). I doubt I would go to jail, and while they may well be a fine, I am more concerned with losing "my babies, my beauties" (anyone know what movie that is from?).