illegal poker tourneys

Bazzar permits are needed by any group looking to run a poker benefit and the only groups eligible are non-profit organizations that have been in existence for at least two years.

MacKay said there are also businesses that will run and promote poker fund-raisers for various groups, something he said state law prohibits.

"The only ones who can actually operate and promote the fund-raisers is the organization that applies for the permit," he added.

Another misconception, McKay said, is the cash prizes. According to MacKay, cash prizes in the poker tournaments cannot exceed $25. Organizations in other communities have advertised poker nights with prizes up to $5,000.

In Lynn, St. Mary's will be holding a Texas Hold 'Em night with a reported $7,500 in prizes. However, MacKay said state law clearly prohibits awards above $25.

Nahant Lions Club members seemed to circumvent the law by securing permission from the state Lottery and the town to hold a poker tournament last January, in which $3,500 was given for the first place prize.

MacKay says he knows of no backroom poker rings or unofficial fund-raisers being held, but said since the proliferation of requests for permits to hold poker nights, he wants to make sure everyone is clear on the rules.

"We just want to make sure we have a system in place," he said.

MacKay said as a non-gambler and somewhat surprised by the Texas Hold 'Em fad.

"I don't gamble," he said, "so I don't get it. I know there's a lot of interest in it. I just don't get it."

MacKay said organizations also need to be aware that they can only hold three gambling events in one calendar year, and only one during one calendar day, which cannot last any longer than five hours.

"Operating outside the limits of the law and technically it's illegal gambling," he said. "And you could be subject to a $1,000 fine and up to two years in jail. We're not looking for that of course, we're just taking steps so everyone is well informed."

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