Seeking Relief In Bill To Stop Police Raids

Since the UIEGA took place almost a year ago there have been multiple police raids and indictments taking place throughout the United States. People have been charged with misdemeanors while others are being prosecuted to the fullest extent. It seems as though the US government has gone on a witch hunt to find every gambling card player out there and persecute even if it means arresting a veteran.

Last week the Dallas police raided yet another "illegal" poker room, Audie Murphey Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1837 due to complaints of surrounding neighbours. The room was allegedly taking in a rake which is deemed illegal however VWF lawyer Mr. Hinton said his clients "don't take a rake. They are given donations. The rest goes to charity. The post members busted in the raid "are harmless people trying to do something for a good cause." He said he seriously doubts that residents are in an uproar over illegal poker rooms in Dallas.

So far this year there have been 79 people cited for playing or operating games in four poker rooms. These numbers have already reached what was the grand total for 2006 and well above 2005's stats.

Deputy Chief Julian Bernal, commander of Dallas' vice and narcotics detectives commented that the police department can not ignore complaints regarding illegal gambling."I'd much rather go after people who are running prostitution and narcotics.The more gambling operations I have to contend with, the less resources I have to deal with our higher-priority operations." he said, adding that he hopes these raids will further deter players from breaking the law and all legal issues that may arise from it.

Other towns members claim that the VWF games are no different than those in the area who are benefiting local charities. Chief Bernel disputes that stating that "The issue is that in those games you make a donation to the charity and they give you chips," "You cannot cash your chips in and get anything back – win, lose or draw. The VFW had cash games, and they knew they were illegal."

It seems as though there is a mix of reactions in this community, as neighbours say they are fearful for what goes on in the VWF, while others say it's a group of veterans and shouldn't be bothered.

Whether the VWF is guilty or not, this is another case that is directly related to the UIGEA and it's after effects. Police are continually performing raids across the country even if it;s a group of seniors, and people have now become criminals. While some continue to try and keep their games and poker clubs underground, other players are now taking long trips to casinos where they won;t have to worry about legal problems

This may not last forever, now that House Bill 3186 was introduced last week by Senator Barney Franks.Currently it is being considered for vote by the full House and if passes would regulate online poker and lighten up some of the restrictions American players are currently facing. Hundreds upon thousands of people are pushing for this bill and what it will do, not just to have the ability to play poker. They want to be able to retain the right to choose what they do in their own homes without fear of persecution.