Mich. Gaming Board Drops Planned Charity-Poker Limits

Michigan’s gambling regulator has withdrawn proposed new rules on poker fundraisers that drew strong opposition from nonprofit groups across the state, the Detroit Free Press writes.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board told the state legislative committee Wednesday that it was pulling the proposal, which had already been scaled back to address lawmakers’ concerns. Among other provisions, it would have slashed the number of days a year the professionally run poker rooms that host and manage the fundraisers can operate.

Charity representatives turned out in droves for hearings on the plan, which they said would significantly reduce a major revenue stream. The gaming board contends the state’s booming charity poker industry has fomented illegal gambling and fraud.

In a statement Wednesday, the board held out the possibility of returning with a new proposal, saying in a statement that it wanted “determine if adjustments can be made to the rules and still accomplish the goal … to ensure the integrity of the games and protect the charity’s ability to raise funds.”