An apparently illegal poker tournament at the Blackhawk Country Club has shuffled up residents in this exclusive community

An apparently illegal poker tournament at the Blackhawk Country Club has shuffled up residents in this exclusive community and has prompted police to refresh the club and game participants on the laws of gambling.

Previously unaware of the game, Blackhawk police received a copy of an anonymous flier following the Jan. 14 game -- a game fashioned after the popular World Series of Poker, with stakes raised every hour. The game was expected to generate a first prize of $5,000 in cash; there was a $200 buy-in for $1,000 in chips.

Police then started asking questions, Blackhawk police manager Mike Newman said. "If it was anything, it was a misdemeanor, but we were notified after the fact.

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"(The organizers) did not check what laws and regulations govern controlled games," Newman said. "They thought they could do it because it was a private club."

Blackhawk resident Steve Diamond, a retired executive, organized the game.

"We intended to make it a charity tournament, to benefit Special Olympics or a scholarship foundation, but the whole thing went sideways," Diamond said.

Enthusiasm grew over the upcoming tournament, but Diamond was not able to get a beneficiary charity before the game. He still went ahead with the game, hiring professional, paid dealers.

But with Diamond installing himself as the nonplaying "host" with paid dealers, the game became illegal according to state law, Newman explained. The law applies depending on whether it was a charitable event or an event for pleasure.

According to the state penal code, it is unlawful for anyone to operate a "controlled" game of chance without a permit. A "controlled" game is one in which a nonplaying host or others make money for operating the game. The law applies to private residences and private country clubs, Newman said.

Games in which no person makes money for operating the game -- that is, only the players make or lose money -- are not illegal.

County club general manager Larry Marx said members often book rooms for various events, such as weddings or other gatherings. Marx said he understood the game was to be played for prizes and that he did not believe it was illegal. After talking to police, the club will not allow any future events of that kind, Marx said.

Residents were hesitant to tell police anything about the game, Newman said, adding that no action will be taken at this point. But police put out an informational sheet detailing gambling laws and regulations.

A violator could face up to a year in county jail or a $5,000 fine, or both, for operating a controlled game of chance.

Source: Linda Davis, Contra Costa Times