Texas Poker Charity Run Threatened

TEXAS – As reported by the Waco Tribune-Herald: "While some nonprofit organizations raise money by hosting games of bingo and selling raffle tickets, motorcycle clubs have had their own strategy to make giving fun – the poker run.

"Although they can be organized differently, poker runs typically involve motorcycle riders purchasing cards at stops along a designated route. When they reach their destination, cash prizes are awarded for the best hands and sometimes the worst hand.

"It's a traditional way among bikers to have fun while raising money for a good cause, according to the state chairman of the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association.

"…Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, however, has frustrated the bikers by recently declaring poker runs illegal.

"…The decision will affect a wide variety of organizations, including cities, law enforcement departments and fraternal organizations, all of which have hosted poker runs in the past. Many former poker run participants said they were baffled by the ruling.

"…Sam Maitz, director of the Waco Harley-Davidson Owners Group, said the opinion will hurt the nonprofit organizations that benefit from the charity efforts the most…"