08:22 AM PST on Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Associated Press

SALEM -- For years, the members of the Keizer Eagles Lodge have gathered for friendly games of black jack and poker, a chance to gab with friends and maybe win a dollar or two.

But that tradition came to an abrupt halt three weeks ago, when the Oregon Department of Justice shut down the Keizer Eagles' card games because the city has no law allowing such games.

Games such as video poker and bingo are licensed and regulated by the state. But in the case of so-called "social games," -- those where money changes hands but no house bank or house odds exist -- individual cities must decide whether to permit the games.

In the past, other groups have petitioned Keizer to allow social gaming. Each time, the requests have been rejected.

Now, members of the Keizer Eagles have again asked the City Council to approve an ordinance allowing social gaming. City officials have scheduled a public hearing April 5 to allow other groups to weigh in.

The problem comes with enforcement, said police Chief Marc Adams. If social gaming is allowed in restaurants and bars, the police have a hard time making sure that all the games are fair.

But Adams said in the specific case of allowing charitable organizations, such as the Eagles, as well as private citizens to hold card games in their homes, he doesn't see a problem.

Eagles member Harry Ditton said he didn't think his group would be a problem.

"Most of our members grew up in an era when cards were a past-time. Families would get together and play cards. It's more about socializing and meeting with friends than making money," Ditton said.

Several of the city councilors seemed open to the idea of allowing social gaming at churches, fraternal organizations and in the homes of private residents, but said they think that it's important to open the discussion in a public hearing to other groups, including those who oppose gaming entirely.

"This does affect more than just one or two private organizations. It affects everyone in their homes," City Councilor Jim Taylor said.