Linn County considers law to allow poker

Linn County considers law to allow poker By Les Gehrett For the Gazette-Times Linn County is considering an ordinance that would explicitly allow friendly games of poker and other social games to be played in public settings in the unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioner John Lindsey said the county has no code in place on this issue. Because it doesn't, these games are technically illegal even if they are played in private clubs or businesses. As an example, Lindsey said that if a group of people wanted to sit and play a game of cards after finishing a round of golf at one of the courses in the county, that is currently not allowed. Lindsey also knows it is not uncommon, and he thinks the county should act to clear up the status of these friendly games. State law gives local jurisdictions authority to allow social games, if they wish. In order to qualify as a "social game" there must not be a house player, house bank, or house odds, and the house must not gain any income from the operation of the game. But a host business can charge "a reasonable facility use fee." County Counsel Tom Corr has drafted an ordinance that would legalize social games in the county in private businesses, private clubs and places of public accommodation. Corr said the ordinance provides a framework for the full board to debate the issue and determine what it wants to do. The commissioners have not set a date for a first reading. A discussion of the issue had been placed on the commissioners' agenda for this week, but it was removed. Both Lindsey and Commissioner Roger Nyquist noted the incongruity of the current situation, where people can play state-approved lottery games in public settings but can't play a friendly game of cards. If it is approved, the ordinance would apply to a number of rural businesses, including golf courses such as Trysting Tree, Mallard Creek and Pineway. There are also private establishments such as the Cottonwoods Market, the Pioneer Villa and Truck Plaza, the Crabtree Tavern, and the Lumber Lounge near Scio, that could be the setting for social games.