However, a similar event planned for noon Sunday at Chris’ Po-Boys downtown to benefit the Games of Acadiana, which in part funds the Miles Perret Center, has been canceled because of the recent legal debate.
“We had volunteers offer to host it and we were assured we would have qualified for a license had we chosen to pursue it,” said Sarah Palmer, Games director. “But, we don’t want to be involved with anything anyone would consider in the least bit controversial.”
Lafayette police arrested eight Friday at a West Congress Street bar and charged them with illegal gambling. The charges stemmed from a game of Texas Hold ’em allegedly in progress after 3 a.m. A city ordinance requires bars to close at 2 a.m.
Local bar owners who host tournaments say the game is not illegal because the house collects no part of the winnings. However, state Department of Revenue Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control officials contend bar owners hosting poker games illegally profit from food and drinks sold to the players.
“Texas Hold ’em tournaments are giving us something not seen before — casinos set up in bar rooms,” said ATC attorney Brian DeJean. “We’re not picking on the game of Texas Hold ’em; however, it is our duty to investigate when there is a suspected violation.”
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Where you sit in relation to your turn to bet has an impact on your results. Being forced to be an early bettor in a hand is much less advantageous than being able to bet later in the round.
