The operators of Beach Poker Room have not provided detailed information, but currently, Texas hold ’em is on hold at the establishment.
The temporary closure of its Facebook page was confirmed on October 4th. Furthermore, the website of the Beach Poker Room urges supporters to sign a petition, aiming to escalate this battle to the Supreme Court. This choice of words implies that the Virginia Beach establishment would encounter legal repercussions if it persisted in organizing card games.
The recent Facebook post from Beach Poker Room stated:
As a result of various unfortunate circumstances, Beach Poker Room is currently not in operation. We sincerely appreciate the unwavering support you have extended to us throughout the past few years. We kindly request that you stay connected with us as we actively strive to find a resolution.
In the post, supporters were informed that the Beach Poker Room staff will persist in their efforts to establish a joyful and secure atmosphere for the 757 community.
Our tables have been witness to countless wonderful friendships and cherished memories. We’ve experienced the ups and downs of life, persevering through tough times, and now we eagerly await what the future holds.
In Virginia, the classification of Beach Poker Room as a standalone charity poker operation has consistently remained unclear.
Beach Poker Room background: Charitable gaming isn’t new
The Charitable Gaming Board, which operates under the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), was previously mentioned by PlayVirginia. Towards the end of 2020, VDACS and the commercial gaming board reached an agreement on charity regulations. However, numerous charities had already begun organizing fundraisers before this agreement was made.
Furthermore, there is a disagreement between state regulators and the industry regarding the proper interpretation of the rules. This lack of clarity has created an opportunity for unlicensed charitable poker rooms to operate. However, the majority of these establishments were forced to close down after facing a $50,000 fine, as Virginia lawmakers issued this warning during the summer.
Charitable gaming laws have a longstanding history since the 1970s, predating any disputes that may have arisen. The state established stringent regulations primarily focused on bingo, while also explicitly prohibiting poker and other card games under existing legislation.
The 2020 modifications permitted specific cities to hold votes on the establishment of casinos, and they also legalized charitable gaming. However, the expansion was approved without providing clear guidelines for organizations to adhere to.
In the near future, three additional cities, namely Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, have obtained state approval to establish casinos, thereby introducing poker to their communities. However, the prospect of a casino in Richmond, VA remains uncertain. This is due to the fact that voters in Richmond rejected the notion of gambling in a recent referendum held in 2021.
Bristol Casino, set to become the future home of Hard Rock, is already hosting card games as the first casino in the area to open its doors.
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