oklahoma AG says poker illegal.
find the link to the article below on the home page in the news section.
Fri May 27, 2005
Poker illegal, AG says
By John Greiner
The Oklahoman
Poker is illegal in Oklahoma unless it's played in tribal casinos, the attorney general said Thursday.
According to the opinion from Attorney General Drew Edmondson, state law names poker as a prohibited activity when played for anything of value, despite whether the participant pays to play.
The authority to prosecute gaming violations rests with district attorneys, according to the opinion.
The opinion is in response to questions raised by District Attorney James M. Boring of Guymon and Rep. Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.
Boring said some people contacted him a few months ago about holding a Texas hold-em poker tournament.
After talking to other district attorneys, Boring decided enough issues were raised that gaining an attorney general's opinion would be prudent.
Boring said he and the others thought that type of gambling would not be permissible.
The opinion provides guidance for prosecutors and other law enforcement officers, Boring said. He had asked the attorney general specific questions about poker.
Benge asked if "free" poker games, in which no consideration is given for entry but prizes are awarded, are illegal. Edmondson's opinion to Boring and Benge was that they are illegal. |
