Virginia Code 18.2-340.28:2: Conduct of Texas Hold’em poker tournaments by qualified organizations; limitation of operator fee; conditions
A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games on or after July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold’em poker tournaments; however, no such organization may conduct individual Texas Hold’em poker games. The Commissioner shall promulgate regulations establishing circumstances under which organizations qualified to conduct bingo games prior to July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
Terms Used In Virginia Code 18.2-340.28:2
- Bingo: means a specific game of chance played with (i) individual cards having randomly numbered squares ranging from one to 75, (ii) Department-approved electronic devices that display facsimiles of bingo cards and are used for the purpose of marking and monitoring players' cards as numbers are called, or (iii) Department-approved cards, in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers on such cards conforming to a predetermined pattern of numbers selected at random. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
- Commissioner: means the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
- Conduct: means the actions associated with the provision of a gaming operation during and immediately before or after the permitted activity, which may include (i) selling bingo cards or packs, electronic devices, instant bingo or pull-tab cards, or raffle tickets, (ii) calling bingo games, (iii) distributing prizes, and (iv) any other services provided by volunteer workers. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Department: means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
- Organization: means any one of the following:
1. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
- Person: includes any individual, corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, government, political subdivision, or any other legal or commercial entity and any successor, representative, agent, agency, or instrumentality thereof. See Virginia Code 1-230
- Qualified organization: means any organization to which a valid permit has been issued by the Department to conduct charitable gaming or any organization that is exempt pursuant to § 18. See Virginia Code 18.2-340.16
B. A qualified organization may contract with an operator to administer Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. Limitations on operator fees shall be established by Department regulations.
C. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
D. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or debit card or other electronic fund transfer in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.
E. No qualified organization shall allow any individual younger than 18 years of age to participate in Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.