[ChipSnob]

I am asking from the legal stand point. I was under the assumption that this was a states issue and the feds would never be involved unless it was involving something larger such as murder and racketeering.

The reason I bring this up is because I was reading a "poker" magazine that made a reference to a story about a home game that was busted by the FBI.

This seems weird if it is a states issue.
Anyone know?

[Sniper2075]

Originally Posted by ChipSnob

I am asking from the legal stand point. I was under the assumption that this was a states issue and the feds would never be involved unless it was involving something larger such as murder and racketeering.

The reason I bring this up is because I was reading a "poker" magazine that made a reference to a story about a home game that was busted by the FBI.

This seems weird if it is a states issue.
Anyone know?

Actually murder is a state crime not a federal one, the FBI can become involved under certain cercumstances but the State prosecutes most murders

[ChipSnob]

Originally Posted by Sniper2075

Actually murder is a state crime not a federal one, the FBI can become involved under certain cercumstances but the State prosecutes most murders

Then when does a federal issue come up?

[ChipSnob]

I guess a better question is what is a federal offense?

[drake]

In general, a home poker game is only a misdemeanor charge of gambling to the whole group. The local police usually do not care to much about a bunch of people getting together and playing poker.


BUT, If the game is raked.....It's a whole different animal. This game can be busted with felony charges to the house. Also, A lot of these games have bookies around them taking bets.....which attracts more attention to the game.

Most home games in my area charge a "sit-down" fee and only have games about once a week. This is probably still illegal and could be considered as a gambling establishment.....but might not stick in court.


I personally do not mind playing in a raked game if the house provides great food, equipment, and a safe place to play.

Good Luck,
Drake

[WolfPack]

Normally the FBI gets involved if the crime crosses state lines, like a gambling ring that operates across several states.

[Sniper2075]

Originally Posted by WolfPack

Normally the FBI gets involved if the crime crosses state lines, like a gambling ring that operates across several states.

Pretty much it, or if it happens in a Federal Building or Federal Land the FBI will get involved, not sure who would prosecute but I know they would be involved in the investigation. Same with murders over several states the feds will get involved but I still think each state would prosecute the murders themselves.

[ChipSnob]

So essentially unless you are running multiple gambling operations across multiple states then the FBI would not be involved in your home game.

[VARoadstter]

Originally Posted by drake

In general, a home poker game is only a misdemeanor charge of gambling to the whole group. The local police usually do not care to much about a bunch of people getting together and playing poker.

Well, I suppose this could vary state to state but in my state it is certainly not illegal to host a home game if absolutely no fee is taken.

YMMV

[drake]

Here is a link to state laws:

http://www.gambling-law-us.com/


I live in the Bible Belt of Georgia........They usually do not care about our home games. But, I was told that you can get a misdemeanor charge at a poker game in Georgia.