Senate to vote on poker at home

Next Thursday, April 14 the state Senate will vote on HB 1247, a bill to allow poker games in private residences.

Supporters of HB 1247 argue that the current misdemeanor penalty for private poker games is unreasonable.  HB 1247 allows poker in private residences so long as the host receives no compensation and the game is not publicly advertised.

“Currently NH law creates criminals of home owners and their guests who happen to gather for an evening of recreational poker,” wrote Rep. Jordan Ulery. “Enforcement is done on a completely subjective basis.”

Opponents of HB 1247 argue that law enforcement is not abusing the prohibition against poker at home, and suggest that HB 1247 should at least include some limits on how much poker players can bet.

“[This bill] is literally a sieve for unintended consequences, and is most certainly the opening round of a slippery slope leading to expanded, unregulated gambling,” wrote Rep. David Hess. 

The Senate Ways and Means committee is recommending the Senate kill the bill.

How do you think New Hampshire should address poker games at home?  Share your opinion in the comments.