Thu, 02/03/2011 – 01:51 – PokerPages Staff

The South Carolina Senate Judiciary committee have passed a bill which would change the laws regarding private home games of poker in the state.

The current law was enacted over 200 years ago and forbids the playing of any game of chance under South Carolina statutes.

The infamous Mount Pleasant incident five years ago highlighted the need to make changes to the law.

Twenty poker players were arrested in April 2006 after a raid on a weekly home poker game. The participants were charged under the Unlawful Games and Betting Act.

The committee passed the measure by a vote of 15-6 late last week.

However, it is not a formality that the South Carolina Senate will pass Bill S 254 as there are fears it may encourage a wider spectrum of gambling across the state.

However, Senator Brad Hutto, a supporter of the bill, has confirmed that the language contained in the bill would prevent those gambling fears.

“Nothing may be constructed to allow electronic gambling machines or devices, slot machines or video poker play or change or alter in any manner the prohibitions regarding video poker.”
 
Poker Players Alliance Director John Pappas welcomed the news in a press release circulated following the committee’s vote.

“We are encouraged by the Senate’s overwhelming vote to replace the antiquated law restricting South Carolina’s basic citizens to enjoy a friendly game of poker in their home.”

“Although the debate is far from over, this step represents a significant opportunity for lawmakers to fix misguided legislation on behalf of the individual rights of their constituents.”