Poker and money go hand in hand at casinos only

The only place any poker game involving money is legally allowed is in a casino, says a spokesperson for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

The commission does not license any charitable organization in licensed establishments to hold poker games particularly if "it's going to be for money," Ab Campion said in an recent interview.

The commission just doesn't have the authority to license even if it is a fundraiser, he stressed.

Mr. Campion was responding to questions about the growing interest in Texas Hold 'Em poker, which is played by men and women around the world, including small Ontario communities like Port Hope, Cobourg and Colborne.

There has been some confusion, and a grey cloud remains, over the very popular and growing game when a fundraiser is involved. But Mr. Campion said neither participants, charity nor "the house" can take part of the pot and remain on the legal side of Ontario's gaming rules.

It wouldn't matter if the game was cribbage, he added.

There are several licensed restaurants/bars/hotels in Northumberland where people are happily bidding for points, not cash.

Officials are aware of the increased gaming.

According to Sgt. Joe Amicone of the Ontario Provincial Police's Organized Crime and Illegal Gambling Unit, which works with the commission, they are keeping an eye on what is happening across the province.

The unit's mandate is to investigate illegal gambling in an area that stretches from Northumberland to the Quebec border and north to the Bancroft/Barry's Bay area.

News Added: 05 May, 2008

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