Richmond Shuts Down Seniors' Poker Circle

Spending some of your twilight years playing low stakes poker is a pastime enjoyed by many senior citizens who typically view such activity as a fun way to socialize among peers.

Despite carrying on in such a fashion for the past 10 years, members of the Richmond Minoru Place Seniors' Centre near Vancouver, BC, have been told by authorities to stop dealing poker hands for money.  Canadian laws that prohibit gambling have put the kibosh on the fun for a group of roughly 40 elderly players, CBC News reported.

"It's more fun if you play for a little bit of money and it makes it more interesting," said poker circle member Marilyn Berger.

Home Games not an Option

The seniors' group tried to meet at the individual homes of members to continue playing away from the eyes of law enforcement and senior center staff, but with over three dozen players, they ran into logistics problems. Member ages run the gamut from 55 to 95 and it's likely that some need certain accommodations that a senior center is better equipped to handle.

The seniors' center is run by the City of Richmond and the Minoru Seniors Society. A city director felt empathy for the seniors' plight, but insisted that provincial gambling regulations must be upheld.

"We're a public body, we have to do the responsible thing," said Ted Townsend, Richmond's director of communications.

Change of Law Requested

The seniors are hoping that their pleas to be allowed to play for low stakes will be heard by city officials. The chips being tossed around were reportedly valued at 10 cents.

It's not the first time that extremely low stakes games have been frowned upon and shuttered by authorities. It happens in the U.S. as well, as completely ridiculous laws prohibit money from changing hands during card games in many states.