San Mateo Police Raid Small-Stakes Poker Game

[Snakes Gould]

so if everyone got there, they asked who wants pizza/beer, and everyone ponied up $5, would it be a crime? this is ridiculous.

That isn't what this was at all. It cost $5 to play in the game that wasn't put into the pot. You paid $5 whether you want refreshments or not, it was an entry fee.

This wasn't a neighborhood poker game with some buddies getting together to play. There were hundreds of participants. The main focus of the questioning seems to be that the people running the game were cheating. Even if they weren't cheating, charging an entry fee for the house makes it illegal. Like it or not it is the law. If you don't agree with it then work at getting the law changed (I'm sure the big casinos will make sure it never happens). But if you decide to charge a "refreshment" fee then know that it does put you at risk, however slim it might be. I would suggest having a pot luck and have everyone bring $5 worth of refreshments.

100's of people are a lot different than 10 or 20 buddies. if they are cheating, shouldnt the players themselves handle it, or known it before the swat team did? i agree with the law that if there is an entry fee then its illegal, that makes sense.