Vol. 2, No.7, July 2005
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New York legislator wants poker
New York state legislator has introduced a bill legalizing low-stakes poker tournaments in bars, clubs and restaurants in the state.
State Senator John Sabini says poker's popularity of late has created the right environment to authorize some forms of expanded gaming, such as low-stakes tournaments.
"The intense popularity of poker presents an opportunity we shouldn't run from," Sabini said.
Sabini's bill would set a $50 limit on the buy-in for a tournament and a $100 cap on the first-place prize.
"The bill would just recognize the reality of what's going on anyway," said poker enthusiast David Rabin, president of the New York Nightlife Association. "I'm totally amazed at how many home games there are."
A lawyer with the association commented that poker is better when it's regulated.
Sabini sought to get the bill passed by June 23, the end of the state legislature's regular session.
