Gambling law change unlikely anytime soon
2 local lawmakers favor legalizing casual poker, but it's an election year
This weekend's high-profile raid on a Hanahan poker ring ultimately might encourage state lawmakers to modernize the state's gambling laws, but don't bet on anything passing this year.
So say two local lawmakers who favor loosening state law to allow casual poker games and church raffles — as well as to clarify that such games as Monopoly and Yahtzee are legal.
State Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-James Island, has tried to get a bill passed since last year, when legal questions prompted WTMA- AM to fold a planned poker tourney designed to raise money for a local cancer charity.
Scarborough said friendly poker games are common all over Charleston County, and he wants to allow them, provided they aren't advertised, don't involve paid employees and the house doesn't get a cut.
Even if Scarborough were to get his way, it's unclear whether the Hanahan game would have been legal. Still, Scarborough said the recent bust helps draw attention to the outdated law.
"The more they bust people, the more they make it their Enemy No. 1, the more the general public is going to say, 'We've had enough. Change the law,' " he said.
State Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, co-sponsored a bill to modernize the state's gambling laws, but it died after some senators were uncomfortable with the idea, particularly in an election year.
"I'm sure on every street in every community in this state they've got a card game going on right now," he said. "Everybody who has a television can watch it on television right now. The television has taught everybody how to play poker and now everybody wants to gamble."
Ford said he would go a step beyond Scarborough and make gambling legal — so it can be taxed.
"Right now we're looking like a bunch of yahoos because we're leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table. Those people who gambled on video poker are still gambling. Why not collect some taxes on it?"
Reach Robert Behre at rbehre@postandcourier.com or 937-5771.
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Comments
BillMan (anonymous) says...
I say keep the law, just bust up a few houses every night and carry them away to jail! Soon the tax base will be diluted enough to lay off enough officers, prosecutors, etc. that they will wise up that money is best spent elsewhere! Shame that 10 months of police work could'nt have gone toward stopping all those horrible crimes I see on the news every night! Nah, good jobs guys!!!
April 8, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
The major attraction of this gambling is the chance of quick money that is -- NOT -- taxed.
'Dead-beat Dad' has been such a popular buzz-word why not initiate 'Dead-beat Tax Payer"?
If these people had to set up a legitimate business in an appropriate district, pay regulated wages and taxes they would fast lose interest in the endeavor.
April 8, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
So, let me get this straight lillycollete-decriminalizing gambling would NOT lead to its increase activity? Interesting concept.
April 8, 2008 at 6:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
Is the little lab-rat Mayor cranky this morning? Your ilk blatantly supports the open violation of law. Yet you get your panties in a wad when I speak in favor of it. Oooh, you are so special you cute little thing. Now go get back up on the porch with the rest of the puppies.
April 8, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prettywoman2457 (anonymous) says...
Awwww...Some people that have noses so far up in the air have been brought down to a level that they now see that they can be touched. It sure was a pleasure to see Don Sorenson standing there with his tail tucked in between his legs. Many laws in SC need changing. Laws like this show us just how backwards the state is. Money talks and the average man goes to jail for some of the same crimes. A slap on the back, like Ravenel, will be the only punishment. So, why bother!! Wasted resources will be the outcome of this, but the good news is....Sorenson, Ravenel and others will have a record that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Lets see what the community will have for jobs for these people in the future.
April 8, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
abitskeptical: Do you have some point in repeating and putting a spin on what I said? I just don't get where you're going with this.
April 8, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Re-legalize video poker.
April 8, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
4HomePoker (anonymous) says...
Lilli,
I know most of the folks that were busted in this so called gambling ring. At least 15 of those listed presently run their own businesses and pay more taxes a year than most folks make. They are successful and should have the right in this country to do with their money what they wish. The dealers in these games are not paid but tipped by the players. If I elect to tip a bell hop or waitress or donate my money to special olympics(all of which I do annualy) that is fine. The host do not make money on these games they take and agreed upon amount for the night to cover the expenses for food(which is catered at times), drinks(alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic), cards, clean-up and any other expenses. This is not done for profit it's done so people can just show and have fun rather than to try and coordinate all the individuals bringing something.
Before you make all knowing blanket statements you should go to a home poker party and see for yourself. I have never seen a fight, drugs, or anything clandestined at any of the games I attended.
I hope the task force doesn't have time to track me down through this post!!!!!! LOL
April 9, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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