If passed, Oregon House Bill 3518 would ban poker clubs in Oregon. Roughly 2 dozen clubs across the state allow players to compete against each other – and not the house -- for pooled prize money. These poker clubs are licensed businesses that employ people, pay taxes and are a legitimate, safe and licensed alternative to the sketchy underground clubs they replaced.

Social gaming clubs are distinct from the troubled bars catering to video poker players. Places like “lottery row” in Jantzen Beach create problems for local neighborhoods and encourage crime. Oregon poker clubs are skillfully managed, attract a completely different demographic, and generate almost no problems. Poker club owners spent tens of thousands of dollars building their companies and a ban on social gaming destroys them financially.

Poker club owners and players represent a racially and economically diverse coalition in the state. Many of the regional poker clubs are minority-owned or managed companies.

Sign our petition to tell Oregon Lawmakers to not gamble on the livelihoods supported by this industry.