To: The Oregon State House and Governor Kate Brown
Stop House Bill 3518! Don't let the State shut down Poker Clubs
This bill would close down legitimate small local businesses that help employ people and pump money into the local economy. I am concerned that the State is focusing on regulating the individual freedoms of adults.
Poker Clubs provide a clean safe venue to interact with friends and meet new people. Your bill would make Poker games legal only for religious, charitable and fraternal organizations. Where does this leave us Oregonians who do not belong to one of these groups or want a professionally run game? Why take a clean, thriving business and force it underground to more questionable venues?
Poker Clubs are nothing like Vegas. Kotek's comment, "Apparently, if you go into them, you would think you were in Las Vegas", states exactly how much she doesn't know. These businesses do not take part of the pot and we do not have to bet against the house. These businesses are not filled with State sanctioned slot machines. These businesses are not set up to siphon my money off of me bit's at a time like video poker is, there is a set buy in limit, raise limit and re-buy limit. Video Poker is a much bigger problem if your concern is gambling. Many bars or deli's where they have video poker are questionable. Just look at lottery row in Jansen Beach. Poker clubs should not be equated with Lottery row. Poker is a game of chance, skill and a little bit of luck. Recently a New York City Judge has ruled that poker is more skill than chance, and thus not gambling. http://www.npr.org/2012/08/22/159833145/judge-rules-poker-is-a-game-of-skill-not-luck
If the State is fine with Video Poker; a game that is gambling where you can lose huge amounts of money in a very little amount of time and takes no skill to play, whay is it not ok with Poker Clubs? What is truly behind the push to take up this issue? Is it because the State doesn't receive a cut of the pot like they do Video Poker? Is it because the religious organizations are losing money to these legitimate businesses? If it's gambling that's the issue, why not tackle Video Poker along with Poker Clubs? Why does the State of Oregon believe I should be saved from this activity?
There are a number of other issues that I, as your constituent, find more pressing. The top of my list begins with cutting unemployment with good jobs, finding ways to help foster and grow local business. Not doing the opposite, which is what House Bill 3518 would do. If you are to take up this non-issue of Poker Clubs, I would like to see you address the fact that we can't currently tip the dealers. They are hard working Oregonians who should be able to work for a living wage, and be compensated for their skill and knowledge.
Please stop trying to legislate me from myself. I am over the age of consent, I am allowed to vote, pay taxes and make decisions for myself. I am an adult. This activity does not hurt me or anyone else. Please focus on the ones that do.
Poker Clubs provide a clean safe venue to interact with friends and meet new people. Your bill would make Poker games legal only for religious, charitable and fraternal organizations. Where does this leave us Oregonians who do not belong to one of these groups or want a professionally run game? Why take a clean, thriving business and force it underground to more questionable venues?
Poker Clubs are nothing like Vegas. Kotek's comment, "Apparently, if you go into them, you would think you were in Las Vegas", states exactly how much she doesn't know. These businesses do not take part of the pot and we do not have to bet against the house. These businesses are not filled with State sanctioned slot machines. These businesses are not set up to siphon my money off of me bit's at a time like video poker is, there is a set buy in limit, raise limit and re-buy limit. Video Poker is a much bigger problem if your concern is gambling. Many bars or deli's where they have video poker are questionable. Just look at lottery row in Jansen Beach. Poker clubs should not be equated with Lottery row. Poker is a game of chance, skill and a little bit of luck. Recently a New York City Judge has ruled that poker is more skill than chance, and thus not gambling. http://www.npr.org/2012/08/22/159833145/judge-rules-poker-is-a-game-of-skill-not-luck
If the State is fine with Video Poker; a game that is gambling where you can lose huge amounts of money in a very little amount of time and takes no skill to play, whay is it not ok with Poker Clubs? What is truly behind the push to take up this issue? Is it because the State doesn't receive a cut of the pot like they do Video Poker? Is it because the religious organizations are losing money to these legitimate businesses? If it's gambling that's the issue, why not tackle Video Poker along with Poker Clubs? Why does the State of Oregon believe I should be saved from this activity?
There are a number of other issues that I, as your constituent, find more pressing. The top of my list begins with cutting unemployment with good jobs, finding ways to help foster and grow local business. Not doing the opposite, which is what House Bill 3518 would do. If you are to take up this non-issue of Poker Clubs, I would like to see you address the fact that we can't currently tip the dealers. They are hard working Oregonians who should be able to work for a living wage, and be compensated for their skill and knowledge.
Please stop trying to legislate me from myself. I am over the age of consent, I am allowed to vote, pay taxes and make decisions for myself. I am an adult. This activity does not hurt me or anyone else. Please focus on the ones that do.
Why is this important?
This bill would close down legitimate small local businesses that help employ people and pump money into the local economy. There are other issues more pressing. Cut unemployment and foster local business! Doing the opposite is what House Bill 3518 would do.