Legalized Texas Holdem Bill Stalls in Lousianna

The Louisiana State Senate has recently stopped legislation that would have legalized Texas Hold'em poker to be played in restaurants and bars across the state. The vote was 22-14 to postpone further action on the house-passed measure. This will end its consideration during this legislative session.

Representive Warren Triche, of Raceland, ran into opposition quickly on the Senate floor as being an expansion of the local gambling industry. Sen. Charles D. Jones, D-Monroe, said the bars and restaurants hosting the Texas Hold'em tournaments could not take a cut of the proceeds. Participants would have to be at least 21.

"I nominate this bill as being the worst bill of the session," said Sen. Ken Hollis, R-Metairie. "If you want to have gambling all over Louisiana, vote for this bill. You will have mini-casinos everywhere." Hollis also said the Texas Hold'em tournaments would hurt charitable organizations that hold such events as part of fundraising activities. Jones never got a chance to rebut Hollis' criticism before Hollis moved to return the bill to the calendar.

HB484 almost didn't make it out of the House and it took two tries. The first time there was a 48-47 vote - five shy of the 53 majority needed. The later House vote passed it on a 53-47 vote.

Triche pushed the bill at the request of some bar owners raided as illegal gambling by law enforcement. Triche argued that the poker games are no different than darts, billiard games and football pools when wagering is involved. Televised tournaments have popularized the game.

Louisiana is only one of many states with laws involving poker and it's development in the main stream lifestyle.