Poker In Idaho: Coeur D’Alene Tribe Casino’s Game Still In The Cards

Judge says shuffle up and deal.

In the ongoing legal poker case in Idaho, a U.S. District Judge has denied a motion put forward by Idaho state officials to place a temporary ban on a Texas Hold’em poker game played at a Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s casino; a case in which a tribal representative defended the game supporting the popular opinion that Texas Hold’em is a game of skill.

The state sued last month to shut down the tribe’s poker room, saying all forms of poker are banned under Idaho’s Constitution and state law. But tribal representatives argued that Texas Hold ‘Em poker is not considered illegal gambling but a game of skill.

Read More: Luck In Poker

As there is no house involved in the game, the argument is that no rules have been broken.

Originally the state shut the game down claiming it breaks a strict compact stating only approved games involving real money are permitted in tribal casinos; however, it is now the legality of the state official’s actions that have come into question.

State officials’ hurried actions to bring a lawsuit against the tribe have backfired after allegedly breaking the compact themselves. The blunder came after officials failed to do their research, which resulted in them filing a lawsuit when instead the compact says each party is supposed to run through a 60-day window with option of arbitration.

Unfortunately, for the tribe, the fight is not yet complete.

“But the State of Idaho remains committed to enforcing the rule of law that limits gambling in tribal casinos to clearly approved games — and poker isn’t one of them,” Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter said in a prepared statement.

Read More: Judge: Idaho suit over tribal poker defies compact

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) helpline at 1-888-532-3500
published 9 years, 9 months ago • by permalink

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