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Hi there. I wanted to discuss gambling law in Ohio. I’m basing my arguments on a copy of the law found at:
Ohio Gambling Laws
so I may be out of date.The definition of “games of chance” (2915.01-D) includes poker. However, there is a separate definition for “games of chance conducted for profit” (2915.01-E) in which someone is running the game for income. The law against gambling (2915.02-A) forbids the latter category (GoCCfP) outright but only forbids the former (GoC) when it is a significant source of income. The section describing a “gambling house” (2915.03) refers back to the prior section (2915.02). There is a third section forbidding games of chance in public places (2915.04).
By these standards, it seems that someone who runs a poker game in a private place is not breaking the law, so long as they don’t charge a fee or rake. Similarly, someone playing in such a game would be legal so long as they are not playing professionally.
My thinking is that a recreational, low-stakes home poker game is legal in Ohio. Do you think this is reasonable, or am I making a wishful interpretation?
Most of these laws are nebulous, and need interpretation by gaming attorneys. I would suggest that you confer with one in your state, to see what he/she says, to be absolutely sure.
Looks to me like you draw the correct conclusion, but heck, I am no lawyer and I agree with Poker Dude.
Ohio are mature enough to know that that gambling by itself is not bad, if one knows the power of self control. Everything good or bad takes a negative turn if you indulge in it excessively and recklessly. in a practical sense, Ohio love their casinos, bingos and lotteries because they know to enjoy the pleasures of gambling in the right spirit.
Frank, I think this applies to most people. Tell it to the Bush Admin bozos, who implemented this stupid law to begin with.
Well I live in Ohio and cant say I am for this one bit lol
Skill based gambling has been here awhile in the form of slot macines where you have to pick the line thats the winner making your odds even worse. The other part is that they are mainly in bars meaning drinking and more impare judgement making the whole deal lean even more for operators. What I do is stick my advertising on them.. F ‘ it!
None the less its not gambling that has been the issue IMO. It always comes down to regulations and operators bottom line. When sharks are in the water it makes the whole damn industry look bad.
