Poker firm sues state of New York

ALBANY, New York -- As reported by the (Binghamton) Press & Sun-Bulletin: "A Missouri-based company that wants to run free poker games in bars is suing New York state to overturn a law that bars the games.

"...The Free Poker Experience organizes cost-free Texas Holdem poker tournaments, which are hosted by sponsors such as bars, taverns, and restaurants, which pay for the privilege.

"Tournament players begin each game with the same amount of poker chips, which do not cost anything and cannot be traded in for cash at the end of the game. However, tournament winners get prizes, such as 20 seats to a professional poker tournament or as much as $10,000 cash.

"Benjamin Scheck of The Free Poker Experience LLC said the prizes are where the company runs into conflict with the state's law.

"The state law defines gambling as when an individual 'stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest.' This risk is taken 'upon an agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome,' according to the law..."