Poker Tournaments Don't Hurt Anyone

February 4, 2005

While murders, bank robberies and pharmacy hold-ups are common occurrences, and drug use has become epidemic, state police lack the resources to place a trooper in the Jackman area.

The state's budget shortage has required drastic cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies that help the underprivileged. State police have found time to crack down on civic organizations that pick up the slack with charitable works by cutting off one of their fund-raising sources. Their crime is hosting Texas Hold'em tournaments.

Although chips used in tournaments have no monetary value, state police have insisted on giving them value. Doing this creates a crime by state statute.

Under statute, bets in any game of chance are limited to $1. After the state issues a license to these organizations to hold their tournaments, state police step in to prevent tournaments from taking place.

The statutes could be open to a different interpretation. State police are using Title 17: Crimes, Chapter 14: Games of Chance SS 330 Section 2, "Game of chance," paragraphs A and B, to determine legality. Looking at the same statute under 2-A, "Games of skill," the tournaments would be legal.

Poker is a game of skill. The best hand does not always win. The skill of the player in reading other opponents and making correct bets can force the actual winning hand to fold.

By no means is it suggested that the police allow poker rooms, like those in California, to operate in Maine. Just use a little common sense. Allow charitable organizations to sponsor Texas Hold'em tournaments. Everyone benefits from their good works.

Possibly the resources saved by not chasing after harmless poker tournaments can be applied toward the cost of assigning a state trooper to Jackman.