by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor
April 1, 2009
While the battle for a legalized online poker industry continues in South Carolina, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, Glenn McConnell, announced a number of hearings to determine whether private poker games should be allowed within the state. McConnell said that these private games, often held to raise money to various charities, will gain the support of the state’s citizens.
Earlier this month, McConnell (R-Charleston) introduced a bill to legalize "social gambling". The bill proposes to create "an affirmative defense" from prosecution when the gambling is done in a private home, permitting "no house player, house bank or house odds exist, and where there is no house income from the operation of the game." The bill will also allow nonprofit charities to run "casino night" fundraising events. Legislation specifies that the games would have to be of a limited duration where wagers are made on gambling activities.
When introducing the bill, Sen. McConnell noted the state's 207-year-old anti-gambling law that bans "any game with cards or dice.” He said that if taken literally, the legislation would outlaw board games such as Monopoly. Sen. McConnell, who chairs the state senate's Judiciary Committee, believes the government should not be in the business of preventing a group of friends from gathering around kitchen tables to play cards. He also added that updating the law would give charities a "much-needed tool for fundraising" while the downward economy has prevented many from donating.
Just one month ago, a number of South Carolina poker players were charged with illegal gambling in a Mt. Pleasant court, despite the fact that the municipal judge in the case agreed with the argument that Texas Hold'em is in fact a skill-based game – a ruling that has set precedents in the fight for online poker in the United States.
Despite the obvious challenges, the senator is hopeful for the future of his proposed legislation. "I believe we can build a base of support across South Carolina that will make this General Assembly move," said McConnell.
The hearings, which are open to the public, are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30PM Monday (March 23rd) in North Charleston City Hall and on March 30th, beginning at 5:30PM, in Greenville County Council Chambers. To be eligible to speak before the senators, citizens attending the hearings must sign in when they arrive. The senator said that if there is time, public comments will be taken.
“If you are a South Carolina poker player or one who travels here to play in some of the best home games around, you should be interested in this. Moreover, if you live in Greenville, South Carolina and don't join me on Monday night, you don't care about poker and your right to play it,” writes a Greenville resident in a blog post.
The Poker Players Alliance has asked that its South Carolina members RSVP to get a good idea of the number of people who will show. Should you wish to attend to show your support or voice your opinion, visit the PPA at http://pokerplayersalliance.org/ppaevents.
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