Senior Citizens Getting Short Changed In Low Stakes Poker Game

Washington State continues its assault on poker.

A Washington State non-profit Senior Center is being forced to shut down their patrons low stakes card games due to a 2009 ordinance prohibiting playing for money. In one of the most ridiculous stories of government overstepping their boundaries you’re going to hear today, the center is being forced to end the game which have become popular with the local seniors and are both getting them out of the house, into the center and keeping their minds sharp.

Snippets and video after the jump.

Seniors at the 650-member Snohomish Senior Center had been playing illegally since 2009, when the city council banned “social” card games, The Everett Herald reported.
Unaware the ordinance applied to them, the seniors continued to play poker, bridge, pinochle and other games for cash. In December, the Gambling Commission shut down their game with a letter informing them the games were illegal and needed to end, according to the report.

According to Fox News.com, even though the seniors are playing for pennies, the Gambling Commission won’t carve out an exception for them right now. The center is hoping that with some attention, the city council may turn around and do the right thing by these citizens.

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 10 years, 9 months ago • by permalink

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