Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas is nothing if not tenacious…for the third year running she has introduced a bill to the state Senate seeking to legalise poker as a game predominantly one of skill, hoping to ride the crest of the daily fantasy sports legalisation achieved early last year (see previous report).
Her bill SB1400 is currently with the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee, whose 15 members will decide whether to progress it or condemn the Senator to another year of failure.
SB1400 includes the following main points:
* Poker is a game predominantly of skill and should be legalised as such, taking it beyong state rules on gambling;
* Land-based bingo operators may be licensed to conduct live poker games and tournaments;
* Tournament organisers will only be permitted to hold one tourney per week;
* Players in such games and tournaments must be 18 years or older;
* No poker game prize may exceed $100;
* Games and tournaments will be for cash only – EFTs, credit and debit cards transactions are not permitted;
* Oversight will be provided by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and The Charitable Gaming Board;
* Responsible gambling precautions must be emphasised by operators.