Legalize Poker Rooms

To:  Premier Dalton McGuinty

We the people of the province of Ontario believe that the laws regarding Texas Holdem Poker games outside of Casinos need to be reviewed and amended. Currently, the laws state that no games involving money may be held in an AGCO licensed establishment outside of an OLG Casino.

These low-stakes games held in local bars, pubs and restaurants not only help local business, but help our communities by providing a social activity allowing for networking and people from different walks of life to meet. This game is playable by anyone regardless of sex, race, physical size, physical ability, demographic background, working class, ethnic background, religion and within reason, age.

Also, by being in a public place, these games are much easier to monitor by law enforcement officials without notice to organizers. Public safety is also addressed as they are much safer environments than underground card rooms. These underground clubs often involve drugs, weapons, gangs and rake and are often the victims to robberies and violence.

Often, legal card rooms are far and few between especially no-limit games unlike other government controlled entities like the LCBO or Beer Store. Players are being driven to the underground games.

In addition, the economic gain to communities is driven by the spending of money in local businesses. By regulating it or charging license fees, there could also be additional gain to the government through taxes and fees.

It is time for our government to review the laws allowing these clubs to provide more opportunities for this sport under certain criteria as in the best interest of society.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Legalize Poker Rooms Petition to Premier Dalton McGuinty was created by and written by Craig Ainsworth (craig@pokerppl.ca).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.