Oregon passes new bill that could close poker rooms
The proposal would allow cities and counties to authorize “social” poker games only if they are operated and controlled by a charitable, fraternal or religious organization.
Oregon’s constitution has a prohibition on nontribal casino-style gambling, so that’s why poker rooms, which offer a clearly skill-based game, have for years enjoyed a social gaming exemption. Dealers aren’t employees (they get paid in tips) and rooms often have a cover charge, rather than a rake. The rooms also make money from food and drink sales.
HB 2190 would prohibit such a business model.
The state has also had an issue with the dealers not making a wage. However, they are said to make about $14 an hour in tips from poker players, income that would end under HB 2190.
The Oregon Attorney General’s office said about six years ago that the poker dealers cannot earn wages. Dealers were then paid only in tips. Portland left poker alone for several years, but a recent opinion by the Oregon Department of Labor said dealers should be considered employees, not volunteers. As a result, Portland said it would begin enforcing old state codes.
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