A bill introduced last month in the Pennsylvania legislature would allow eligible organizations to host social card games and tournaments, including Texas Hold’em. The primary sponsor, Representative Sheryl Delozier introduced the bill on Feb. 5.
The legislation has been referred to the Gaming Oversight, where it has not moved since. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t move. Pennsylvania’s legislative session runs until the end of the year, which means the bill has time. It’s likely not a high priority in the current circumstances, however.
House Bill 520 is a bipartisan effort with five co-sponsors. Rep. Delozier is a Republican, and she’s joined by three others from her side of the aisle, plus two Democrats.
Pennsylvania is a broadly pro-gambling state with a lottery, online casinos, online poker, and sports betting as the main formats, alongside VLTs, legal but unregulated skill machines, etc. This bill would give casual card players a chance to play for reasonable stakes outside of casino poker rooms.
Key rules of social card game bill
HB 520 is detailed with stipulations in place to be able to carry out casual card playing in a safe manner. The bill describes eligible games as “nonbanking card games” where “players play against one another rather than against the house.” Those games include:
- Poker games
- Hearts
- Rummy
- Pinochle
- Bid Whist
Here are some of the key rules the bill includes:
- The maximum prize or payout for a card game shall be limited to $100, with no fee to play
- Not more than 10 members may play at a table in a card game, with a limit of five tables
- No card games may be played between the hours of 1 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- No eligible organization may hold more than five tournaments annually
- The tournament may not be conducted within seven calendar days of another tournament conducted by the eligible organization
- The eligible organization may hold only one tournament during a period of 24 consecutive hours, starting from the time the tournament begins
The value of all prizes awarded in a tournament must not be more than $200, except for Texas Hold’em. Players also must be 21 years old to play in any game or tournament.
Responsible gambling element in card game bill
Delozier made sure to include responsible gambling information in the legislation. An eligible organization must post the following to make a card game legal:
- Wagering limits for each type of card game
- Rules of play
In addition, organizations must post this information, too:
“Information on where a person can obtain help for problem gambling, including the telephone number for the Pennsylvania Compulsive Gambling Helpline.”
Responsible gambling shouldn’t be lost, even in smaller card games. The Keystone State is attempting to get Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) officially recognized.
