"An Act relating to card rooms and card operations. "

Currently the citizens of Alaska can wager on poker, rummy, bridge, cribbage and many other card games at home without being in violation of the law. The intent of SB 165 is to allow these same social games to also be played in a tightly controlled public environment.

The growing popularity of poker is obvious to anyone who has recently turned on his or her television. Many networks, from ESPN to the Travel Channel, are regularly televising Texas Hold 'em tournaments and enjoying sky rocketing ratings and subsequent advertising revenues. Men, woman, old and young are all joining the "poker" trend, which shows no signs of slowing. As this popularity continues those seeking poker games will consistently seek out games legitimate or not. The state of Alaska is in the perfect situation to address the trend and bring this popular pastime into compliance with the safety and revenue laws of the state.

Under SB 165 card rooms would be limited to boroughs with a population of 30,000 or more and only one establishment per 30,000 people. These card rooms would also be limited to players 21 years of age or older and would only offer non-banked card games such as poker, cribbage, rummy, etc.

In addition to the taxable revenue generated by the card rooms, e.g. food and drink purchases and table charges, the establishments would also pay $10,000 per table yearly to the state and would be required to hold quarterly tournaments to benefit a non-profit educational institution or group. As part of the licensing procedure the card room operators would also be responsible for covering the administrative cost of licensing and subsequent enforcement through a $25,000 application fee.

In addition to the revenue and job creation, regulated card rooms would fill one very necessary function in a society that embraces poker and other non banked card games; it allows for players to enjoy their hobby in a safe regulated environment rather than playing in an unsavory, and often unsafe "back room". Currently many players, in addition to their friendly home game, play in underground games where the "house" takes in large profits with little assurance of "fair" play. Although not an everyday occurrence, players at these games have in the past been held up at gunpoint with little recourse because of the shady and illegal nature of the game.

By recognizing this trend and the fact that we already allow this type gaming in our homes, Alaska can address the issue head on and make card games a legitimate, safe, social activity that will increase revenue and job opportunities while minimizing the negative effects of underground gambling.

24-LS0767-Y

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