Poker Runs No More In Austin

One of the most popular ways for charities to raise money these days is through poker runs. Poker runs have been around for a long while, but with the growing popularity of all things poker, more and more outfits are having them and with greater success. In 2006, however, it looks like Texas poker runs have run out of gas.According to Attorney General Greg Abbott and his Tuesday ruling, poker runs equate with illegal gambling under Texas law. A poker run is typically done with motorcycles, but any vehicle can be used, and involves participants going from place to place and picking up single playing cards. At the end of the run the participants with the best poker hands win prizes.All is not lost, however, as the ruling states that poker runs with cash prizes amount to a lottery under state law, which would violate the state’s prohibition on gambling. As long as the charity fundraising organizers kept the cash to themselves, they should be in the clear.