Mich. Lawmakers Press Bill to License Charity Poker Rooms

A bipartisan group of Michigan senators is sponsoring legislation that would legitimize permanent charity poker rooms in the state, reports Crain’s Detroit Business.

The measure was introduced Tuesday in response to the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s plan to tighten regulation of fundraising “millionaires’ parties,” which the agency contends have fostered fraud and gambling offenses. The board’s proposal, which would have restricted how often poker rooms can operate, drew heated opposition from nonprofit groups and was withdrawn Wednesday.

The bill introduced last week by Sen. Rick Jones would provide for licensing of poker rooms and recognize them as part of the charitable gaming business. Under the existing rules, he said, “the gaming commission feels [it] can just change willy-nilly and destroy these small businesses.”