In a move which is as bizarre as it is serious it has been revealed that The Free Poker Experience company is to sue the state of New York as they have banned the group’s free poker games which have been held in a number of bars around the State. While the game is free to enter, with prizes and cash handouts provided by sponsors, the authorities have deemed the game to be in violation of gambling laws in the State. But how can this be?
The State rules confirm that gambling is an event where players take a risk in exchange for the chance of winning a predetermined prize of value. The fact that the games are free in bars around the State would suggest that it is not caught by the gambling legislation, but the authorities seem to think otherwise.
The group has been warned off organising any more events with the threat of charges if the carry on and those bars and taverns which have sponsored the company in the past have been told they may lose their licences if they continue to have any involvement with the The Free Poker Experience.