Spurred by a surge in inquiries and complaints about Internet gambling and Texas Hold ‘Em poker, state regulators warned residents Wednesday about the illegalities of those activities.
The Colorado attorney general’s office and the regulatory arm of the Colorado Division of Gaming issued a joint statement reminding residents that state and federal laws prohibit Internet gambling.
“There’s enough of it going on that it was deemed important to remind people,” Attorney General John Suthers said.
The statement also outlined the complex laws surrounding poker tournaments, which more restaurants and bars are holding regularly as interest in Texas Hold ‘Em continues to rise.
“We want people alerted,” said Natalie Meyer, chairwoman of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, which regulates the state’s mountain casinos. “The concern is about people being sort of led into playing what may turn out to be illegal poker games.”
A poker tournament is considered illegal if it has an entry fee, awards prizes, involves luck and the participants don’t share a common interest beyond gambling, according to state regulators.
In April, 24 people were arrested for illegal gambling at the Guadala Jarra restaurant in Palmer Lake as part of a sting assisted by the Colorado Division of Gaming. People were allegedly playing in an illegal poker tournament that charged a $15 entry fee.
Staff writer Andy Vuong can be reached at 303-820-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com.
