Law enforcement has long turned a blind eye to illegal video poker machines, fixtures at many corner bars and social clubs across the state.

But with an influx of cash for gambling enforcement because of slot-machine casinos, authorities in some areas are stepping up efforts to crack down on illegal gambling, hitting VFW and American Legion halls, and even firehouses.

Dropping a quarter in the slot and playing a hand of poker is legal; manipulating the machines to provide payouts – such as the kind authorities say are made behind the bar or in backrooms of some establishments – is not.

Now, a House lawmaker, Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D., Berks), says authorities are harassing social and fraternal organizations that rely on proceeds from small games of chance – raffles and scratch cards, which are legal, along with video poker – to pay their bills and help charitable causes.

His solution: legislation to legalize video poker in 5,000 chartered private clubs and social halls statewide.

“I think to myself, ‘don’t [state police] have anything better to do with their time?’ “ Caltagirone told the House Gaming Oversight Committee during a hearing on his bill (HB 1663) Tuesday. “Why not throw a crumb to the clubs, if you don’t want them to cease to exist?”
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