BOISE – Texas Hold ’Em poker is no different than golf under Idaho law, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe contends as it fights a lawsuit filed by the state.

Poker is a game of skill, in which players can pay fees to enter tournaments and win prizes for how well they do, according to the tribe, which opened a card room in its casino.

The state of Idaho sued the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in federal court May 2.

The state argued that poker is illegal in Idaho, prohibited both by the state constitution and the law. But the tribe said the type of poker it’s offering – Texas Hold ’Em tournament play – is legal and is widely played in Idaho.

“As long as the state permits a single person, organization or entity to operate a game at any location in the state, whether for charity purposes or otherwise, the tribe is entitled to operate such games in its gaming facility,” the tribe argued. Betsy Russell, SR

Agree or disagree with the Tribe's contention that Texas Hold 'Em is no different than golf?

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