Texas
Poker Charity Run Threatened
As reported by the Waco Tribune-Herald:
"While some nonprofit organizations raise
money by hosting games of bingo and selling
raffle tickets, motorcycle clubs have had their
own strategy to make giving fun – the
poker run.
"Although
they can be organized differently, poker runs
typically involve motorcycle riders purchasing
cards at stops along a designated route. When
they reach their destination, cash prizes are
awarded for the best hands and sometimes the
worst hand.
"It's
a traditional way among bikers to have fun while
raising money for a good cause, according to
the state chairman of the Texas Motorcycle Rights
Association.
"…Texas
Attorney General Greg Abbott, however, has frustrated
the bikers by recently declaring poker runs
illegal.
"…The
decision will affect a wide variety of organizations,
including cities, law enforcement departments
and fraternal organizations, all of which have
hosted poker runs in the past. Many former poker
run participants said they were baffled by the
ruling.
"…Sam
Maitz, director of the Waco Harley-Davidson
Owners Group, said the opinion will hurt the
nonprofit organizations that benefit from the
charity efforts the most…"
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