Virtually every blogger is familiar with Texas Hold’em, a variant of poker which seems to have gained in popularity in recent years, mainly because the spammers have taken to posting ads for it all over blogs’ comment sections wherever they can. What you may not know is that Texas Hold’em is actually gaining a significant following among the mainstream in the U.S., but that is causing some problems…
All over the country, local bars and venues, hoping to increase business, have begun holding Texas Hold’em nights, where anyone can play, but not for money — typically there is no entry fee, and the winner takes home nothing but bragging rights. Many state regulators, however, are claiming this is illegal, and many have been arrested, fined or even jailed.
The New York Times has a complete report on the situation.
As much as I’m soured on the idea of Texas Hold’em, thanks in most part to the legions of comment spammers trying to post unrequested ads for it here, I firmly believe if someone wants to play for free, they should have every right to do so. The state has no business in the matter if one is not risking one’s own money to play.
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Wade
Feb 22, 2005
Choice quotes:
Ah, perspective.
Ski Dubai
Mar 01, 2006
It’s really retarded, i just could have not believe it. Why would you wnat to arrest someone who is not breaking the law? I dont get it.
Silvio
Cathrine
Nov 02, 2006
People should be able to spend their money however they wish! Its
not hurting anybody. Plus this game makes you use your intellect.The
only peole its affecting are the people that chose to play, and they
are aware of their risks before they sit down and play, and they seem to be okay with that. I think it gives people an alternate device instead of drugs,
and drinking, or any other harmful possibilites. Dont hate the playa!!
ED
Aug 06, 2007
The main problem is the state of New York keeping up with its inner most greed and has not found a way to collect a tax on this form of entertainment. As you can see it is perfectly legal for the state to place gambling devices in the very establishments they ban gambling in other forms. It is another instance of the state being run by hipocrits. If the profit is not there for the state it is illegal. Maybe another reason for the drop in population in the state in the last 20 years?
Michael
Sep 04, 2007
Once again over and over again PROHIBITION of any kind does not work PERIOD!
Prostitution WORLDS OLDEST PROFESSION IS AGAINST THE LAW in every state except Nevada , Laws have done nothing to stop this vice which has been going on since the biblical times .
Gambling once again dates back to biblical times Laws are inefective .
Alcohol made many people rich during prohibition DAHHHH
Canabis is illegal HUMMMM what has the war on drugs accomplished ? hummmmmmm
Oh LETS SEE the next thing comming that will be illegal in many states will be cigarettes you watch and see , And i hope it does because my friends and i are going to become very rich .
SO MY POINT IS TO ALL YOU DO GOODER COPS , IF I WANT TO PLAY TEXAS HOLE EM FOR MONEY IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN REGARDLES OF YOUR LAWS .
Bonnie
Jan 13, 2011
the only reason its illegal is because the goverment isnt taking our money
Bonnie
Jan 13, 2011
the only reason its illegal is because the goverment isnt making any money on it