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Gambling on Loopholes

UTAH – As reported by the Deseret News: "Every few seconds, the woman clicks a button on the video gaming machine. Each push costs her $2.25 but offers chances to win up to $599

"…The woman and others playing machines around her are not in a casino. They are in Utah, even though the state supposedly bans all gambling. On a lazy Wednesday afternoon, they are playing video bingo at the Riverdale Dinner and Bingo Club in Weber County.

"…It may look much like illegal slot machine gambling, but employees say legal loopholes allow it. They say the video bingo is free — so it isn't gambling — but they charge for snacks that come with 'credits' to allow playing the electronic bingo. It is possible to pay hundreds of dollars for snacks and soft drinks to wager with the accompanying credits, and to cash out winnings.

" Prosecutors and police statewide say they are looking closer at such bingo halls — and at poker clubs and at bars with video poker machines. They vowed at a press conference in April to crack down on any illegal gambling at such places.

"… Still, some police and prosecutors say Utah's gaming laws are murky, and they hesitate to charge gaming operations.

"…One can find poker games any night of the week in the Salt Lake Valley. But the promise of a crackdown by law enforcement and prosecutors in April has taken the wind out of a few sails

".. So now, instead of charging players for a steak dinner in exchange for 'free poker,' the club lets people play for free. Winners receive points; if they win enough points they can play in a weekly tournament for cash prizes.

"… Home poker games are also still common in Utah — and are even openly advertised on the Internet. But police rarely bother them as long as they are not conspicuous or commercial and do not generate complaints…"

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