Texas Attorney General Says No More Poker Runs
29th of December 2005
Attorney General Greg Abbott made a Tuesday ruling that charity poker runs amount to illegal gambling under Texas law; potentially disastrous news for the many, many motorcycle clubs and the charities they raise money for via the very popular poker runs.
A poker run is traditionally done with motorcycles, but there are some using cars, boats, and even airplanes. The event involves participants going from one location to another and picking up playing cards. At the end of the run the participants with the best poker hands win prizes and, up till now, cash.
According to Abbot it is the giving of cash prizes that makes the poker runs akin to a lottery, which is against the states prohibition against gambling. Poker run organizers are already making changes to their 2006 plans, eschewing cash prizes for trophies and the like.
