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California Poker Tournament Skirts Law

BLACKHAWK, California – As reported by the Contra Costa Times: "An apparently illegal poker tournament at the Blackhawk Country Club has shuffled up residents in this exclusive community and has prompted police to refresh the club and game participants on the laws of gambling.

"Previously unaware of the game, Blackhawk police received a copy of an anonymous flier following the Jan. 14 game -- a game fashioned after the popular World Series of Poker, with stakes raised every hour. The game was expected to generate a first prize of $5,000 in cash; there was a $200 buy-in for $1,000 in chips.

"…Blackhawk resident Steve Diamond, a retired executive, organized the game.

"…'We intended to make it a charity tournament, to benefit Special Olympics or a scholarship foundation, but the whole thing went sideways,' Diamond said.

"Enthusiasm grew over the upcoming tournament, but Diamond was not able to get a beneficiary charity before the game. He still went ahead with the game, hiring professional, paid dealers.

"But with Diamond installing himself as the nonplaying 'host' with paid dealers, the game became illegal according to state law, Newman explained.

"…Residents were hesitant to tell police anything about the game, Newman said, adding that no action will be taken at this point…."

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