Lawmakers Want Poker Rules Clarified

"Members of the Government Oversight Committee said their constituents are uncertain when, where and how it's legally appropriate to play Texas Hold 'em and other poker games.

"...Lawmakers said they want clarification, but, for now, they're not interested in new regulations.

"...Joe Diaz, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, told lawmakers that his agency is dealing with a steady stream of complaints involving poker contests and tournaments.

"...Iowa's social gambling laws, which cover gaming outside licensed casinos, are scattered across multiple code chapters.

"Authorized groups, including non-profit charities, can get permission to hold poker tournaments so long as they don't give away cash prizes. A bar or tavern can't legally have a tournament, but a few friends can play poker in the corner booth so long as the stakes don't exceed $50..."