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South Carolina law makers are taking about gambling laws, while it was another day in court for those accused of illegal gambling. More than two dozen men appeared in Hanahan municipal court Wednesday morning. About half pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and were fined. In all 65 have been charged on 191 counts after a Charleston county raid 2 weeks ago.
“What happened in Hanahan is what we don't want to happen, that is the type of game we want shut down,” said Rep. Wallace Scarborough.
But some legislators believe gambling on a smaller scale between friends should be legal- a proposed bill would make that happen.
“Anyone who looks at this issue in a fair manner is going to see we need to change the law,” said Rep. Chip Limehouse.
The measure would allow certain card games be played for cash. The stipulations, no paid employees, the house can't take a cut of the action, and no advertising.
“I don't want to see high stakes poker but I do want to see the laws of South Carolina come in line with the 21st century,” said Rep. Scarborough.
The bill introduced last year made it to the Judiciary Committee, but Scarborough says a voice of opposition stopped the bill in its tracks.
“The state Baptist committee sent a letter to the Judiciary Committee chairman and it went right back to sub-committee and we never saw the light of day,” said Rep. Scarborough.
But the major issue up for debate is where to draw the line between high stakes gambling and a friendly game of poker. The gambling bill does not set a dollar limit to games because lawmakers say incomes vary, for example a one hundred dollar bet to one person may be considered a five dollar bet to someone else.
The gambling bill passed through subcommittee Wednesday with no opposition and will head to full committee next week.
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