New rules OK more poker

Tue, January 23, 2007
New rules OK more poker
By CHRIS KITCHING, STAFF REPORTER




Charitable and religious organizations can shuffle up and deal on a permanent basis due to new licensing rules that allow them to hold real-money poker tournaments.
Starting Feb. 1, those groups can apply for a provincial licence to hold Texas Hold'em poker events that raise money for their cause and reward competitors with a payout.
TWO-MONTH PILOT PROJECT
The move comes after a two-month pilot project that allowed 12 organizations to hold tournaments, and a year-long study by the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission.
Poker has seen a boom in recent years, and charities wanted the opportunity to cash in on its popularity. Bars and restaurants could hold fun tournaments to get people in and make money from food and beverage sales, said MGCC spokeswoman Andrea Kowal, while charities were left out.

As long as the organization oversees the event, a tournament can be held in a privately owned building such as hotel, restaurant or bar, Kowal said.
Unlimited player spending is not allowed during events, a move to address problem gambling, Kowal said. Tournaments are off-limits to people under 18.
Events must meet provincial and Criminal Code legislation.
Before this, Club Regent Casino, operated by the province, was the only place people could play in licensed tournaments to win cash.