The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Bill Would Allow Snowmobile Poker Runs Again

March 25, 2009 - AUGUSTA -- There have been as many as three bills introduced this session of the Legislature that deal with allowing snowmobile clubs to resume poker runs. "An Act Regarding the Conducting of Games of Chance by Nonprofit Organizations" was introduced by Rep. Michael Shaw, D-Standish.

"I was very frustrated when we couldn't have our poker rallies for two years in a row, and this is what prompted me to put in the bill," said Shaw, a member of the Standish Sno-Seekers Snowmobile Club.

"For the snowmobile clubs, it is just a game-of-chance permit that you need, and that is where the confusion began, and a lot people thought it was a tournament game of chance because of the cards."

Included in Shaw's bill is an amendment that describes what a poker rally is and puts it clearly in the category of a game of chance rather than a tournament.

If the bill is approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, snowmobile clubs and other groups that hold poker rallies, such as bicyclists, boaters and cross-country skiers, would be required a one-time license application fee of $7.50 and then $15 for each time the poker rally is held. In addition, under the description of a game of chance, each poker hand would be limited to a maximum of $20.

"There was concern that groups that weren't nonprofits were holding games of chance and paying themselves the proceeds," said Shaw.

Last session, Gov. John Baldacci vetoed a bill supported by the Maine Snowmobile Association. The association has been working closely with Shaw on his bill.

"The two other bills are variations of the one that was passed last year and vetoed by the governor," said Bob Meyers, executive director of the association. "We're optimistic that between the three bills we'll be able to craft something that will help the clubs."

GREAT TRAILS THIS SEASON

There has been some great riding this season, and not only on the major trails. Plentiful snowfall and cold temperatures throughout the season have helped greatly.

"What has impressed me this year is the small clubs with small equipment and few people have done a fantastic job across the state," said Maurice Marden, the trails committee chairwomam of the snowmobile group. "This year all the clubs were ready for heavy snowfall."

A tremendous amount of work goes on year-round to make sure Maine's 13,000 miles of trails are ready for sleds when the first substantial snowstorm hits.

Work involves securing landowner permission, cutting brush, putting up or repairing signs, removing rocks and building and/or repairing bridges when necessary, with grooming the final stage.

"I am optimistic about next season because people were ready for this season," Marden said. "I know that people will be there to pull it off. A tremendous amount of effort goes into making it all happen. We have an army of 'trudgers.' My standing comment is there are so few doing so much for so many. It just amazes me daily."

Marden does highlight the fact that many of the volunteers who groom the trails are getting older.

"Many people are pessimistic about the fact that things are going to go away because volunteerism is not there," said Marden. "I am a firm believer that when I can't do this, someone else will step up."

CATHY GENTHNER, Portland Press Herald, March 19, 2009


Lakes:
Regions:


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News