Minnesota Legalizes Poker in Bars

With perhaps surprisingly little resistance, a bill has been passed in Minnesota to allow bars to hold poker tournaments legally. Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the bill Friday, after the Senate approved it by a 56-2 vote and the House did likewise, 114-20.

There are two main provisions in the bill. First, as is the case with all the similar bills passed around the country, the establishment cannot profit directly from the play (the bar can, of course, profit from the extra food and drink it might sell as a result of the increased customer draw). Second, bets cannot result in direct financial gain or loss for players. Presumably this means that only tournaments will be allowed, not cash games.

The bill was part of a larger package aimed at addressing modifications to state gambling law.

Originally published June 7, 2005