Poker League Status in MO

[ericmalone]

I've been trying to find out if poker leagues are legal or not here in Missouri, if anyone knows or knows where I can find out, please do.

[TBonesPoker]

Here in Kentucky they're legal so long as you don't take a rake and return all buy-in money in the form of prizes. Whether or not you can charge a "cover" seems to vary by community. "Tips" seem to be OK, too. Of course our law is heavily influenced by the thoroughbred industry which opposes gambling. The theory seems to be that betting the horses is a "skill".

I suggest you do a Google search on "Missouri statutes poker".

P.S. I'm a native of Missouri but long-time resident of Kentucky.

[TBonesPoker]

I did find this, in Missouri, only poker games specifically sanctioned by the Missouri Gaming Commission are legal.

That said, if I still lived in the Show Me State I'd continue to have my home tournaments. I just wouldn't tell many people!

[ACE'S FULL]

Where abouts are you in Missouri?? I have played in home games for several years with no issue...

[ericmalone]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I play with about a dozen ministers at a Bible College and poker has created an itch in some of their consciences,' We are starting a league to reduce the "gambling" aspect of poker and I didn't know if there was a legal problem as well.

I have solicited help from the Attorney General's office, Missouri Bar, and a few other Attorney's. Only the Missouri Bar replied to my e-mail, they tried to sell me a consultation for $25, lol.

This is the e-mail I sent out:

Hello,
I am thinking about starting a home poker league and I would like to know if it is legal to do so.

There will be a registration fee for members ($25) that goes toward prizes, promotions, and food. Guests pay a $3 free per game night that goes to the same thing.

Is this considered gambling? The winner at the end of 10 weeks wins a cash prize and the winner of each week wins a $10 prize... they don't pay anything for the game, but they do have to pay the registration fee for the season.

From what I've read, gambling requires a person to risk something of value, is the registration fee a "risk"? or an administrative cost?

Thanks for your reply and your time,
Eric Malone

I really can't find anything about a poker league, it's pretty clear that gambling outside of a casino or lottery is illegal, but nothing about Leagues.

BTW: I'm in Joplin (SW MO)

[Chiproll]

several bars in my area have poker tournaments weekly. most notably at one club you buy in for $5 and you receive a piece of candy. then you play in the tournament and as far as i know all the money is returned to the top three (im 99% its all the money and thats how they get away with it). they even used to post flyers about it. i'm thinking its like this. i buy some candy for five bucks, i play in the poker tournament, which is optional for those who bought the candy, and if i win they award a prize. i've won twice for no less than 80 bucks each time. the other bar in my area is on a night i cant go, they have a free tournament and award cash prize(s?) just to drum up business, and man do poker players like to drink, lol.

[ericmalone]

Ingenius! Free tournaments are always fine, since no one risks anything and by selling candy and allowing those who buy candy to play it's essentially a free-roll.

I like it!