The game of poker is available in the state of Wisconsin but only in casinos that are tribal owned. If players want to enjoy a game at home or in a local bar, it is not allowed. Two men has currently been fighting to see poker legalized in the state, with a judge set to rule on the subject in the coming days.
According to a report by nbc15.com, Mark Kroon and the Wisconsin Poker Player Alliance President Steve Verrett, have been fighting for the game in Wisconsin. Kroon has played poker for many years, even cashing out in the World Series of Poker last summer. He owns the Players Sports Bar in the state and used to host small poker tournaments.
The bar owner quickly stopped the tournaments once the Justice Department showed up and stated the games must stop or the bar would be shut down. Kroon stated that once the DOJ became involved, the bar stopped the games but did not give up the fight. The poker community came together and raised $10,000 to hire a lawyer to try and see the game legalized within the state.
Verrett pointed out that in the state, the game has to be determined whether it is of skill or chance. In Wisconsin, the law states that purses, premiums or prizes that are offered during contests of skill are legal and not considered a wager. Verrett added that because poker is played with cards, it is automatically assumed that the game falls into the chance category. However, Verrett wants to see the game added to the recreational game category.
Next Wednesday, a judge in Dane County is set to make a ruling verbally on the subject. His interpretation of the law will be heard and could be the next step for the state of Wisconsin to offer poker gaming across the board.
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