Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
 
Board
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Charitable Gaming
 
chapter
Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament Regulations [11 VAC 20 ‑ 30]
Action Promulgation of regulations for Texas Hold’em poker tournaments by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 5/10/2023
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4/19/23  8:20 pm
Commenter: Terrance Watson S.W. VA Fraternal

Proposed Poker regs will stifle charity's ability to generate any significant charitable help
 

The purpose of the 2020 charitable poker bill was to allow charities to replace lost bingo dollars AND to have a popular fundraiser available as a way to help charities in the face of the Casinos and Sports Book, and expanded Rosies operations.  These proposed poker regulations as written, effectively nullify the entire opportunity.  The Charities must be able to play concurrent tournaments because their customers will demand the variety!  ALL poker rooms tip their dealers and for the charities it is essential since the law will not allow the play of cash games as an additional chance for tips.  Can you imagine telling barbers and waitresses that tips are now illegal.  This punishes the charities and the dealer and supervisors, crushing any entrepreneurs hope to run a poker operation.  And why can't an owner of a building to be used for charitable poker also hire dealers and become a licensed poker operator?  Another effort to squash small business opportunities while allowing this overlap for massive Casinos, Sports Book, and Rosies.  It makes sense to protect the charities and make sure they are performing properly but to restrict the possible business opportunities that could come from charitable poker is unthinkable.  Have the regulatory body inspect and audit and get out of the way and let small businesses thrive as they serve charities.  One thing is certain, if the Casino and Sports Book and Rosies regulations were written in this proposed fashion, they never would have made it to this site!  

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