Pennsylvania Grabs Charity Money as Illegal Gambling

Now the state is demanding the money for itself, declaring the income as being derived from illegal games.

Pennsylvania is continuing its war on any form of gambling, no matter how insignificant or benign, that dares detour a potential dollar away from state-taxed gambling. The latest victims, after attacks upon local pubs, moose lodges, and VFW halls, are volunteer fire companies.

In order to raise money to support their neighborhood service, the Seward Volunteer Fire Company held several Texas Hold'em poker tournaments last year. Now the state is demanding the money for itself, declaring the income as being derived from illegal games.

A year ago, state troopers raided the last tournament and seized $9,728. Now the state wants the $31,086 banked by the fire company before the tournaments were shut down.

Robert Stewart, a state deputy attorney general, stated, "Pennsylvania case law sets forth that poker is unlawful gambling ... and that it is unlawful to profit from unlawful gambling."

Pennsylvania has been noted for clamping down on even the slightest hint of gambling since the state licensed racinos that pump huge revenues into the state system.

Steve Trout, a local businessman who lives in the area serviced by the fire company, said, "It's just horrible. These guys provide a fine service to the community, and don't take a cent for themselves. Maybe (Governor Ed) Rendell or Robert Stewart would like to donate their salaries. Then the volunteer firemen wouldn't have to stoop to harmless fundraisers that so offend the state."

"Maybe someday Stewart's house will be on fire, and he can put it out himself."