LOUISIANA POKER PROPOSAL FAILS

18 May 2007

Tight vote, but insufficient majority to forward proposed bill to the Senate

Hopes were high that a Lousiana state legislature bill, number HB 484 introduced by Representative Warren Triche, would liberalise the game of poker in the state, but news just in indicates that the attempt has failed.

HB 484 achieved a one vote majority in the state House, but that was insufficient to achieve the two thirds majority required to take it to the floor of the Senate. It is understood that Triche has made a motion to reconsider, but observers feel that this is unlikely to succeed.

HB 484 proposed giving Lousiana restaurants, clubs, licensed premises and bars authority to organise "promotional" poker tournaments. The bill proposed that these venues be allowed to "...conduct the popular game called Texas hold 'em."

This is the third attempt by Triche to push poker legislation - two years ago he made a similar proposal which failed, and again last year where a two thirds majority eluded him and was insufficient to assure success.

Media reports from the state suggest that even passing the state Senate would not guarantee passage into law - Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco is on record as opposing the Triche initiative, and could exercise her right to veto.

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