SWEET HOME - Are poker tournaments a benefit or a detriment to the community?

The Sweet Home City Council meeting witnessed a lively debate of this question Tuesday night but no decision has yet been made whether to legalize Texas Hold 'Em card tournaments inside city limits.

More than 30 people attended Tuesday, many to argue for or against a proposed ordinance that would allow businesses to hold the tournaments with a buy-in limit of $100 per individual.

The Public Safety Committee brought the ordinance for council consideration after several months of researching the issue, including speaking with other cities such as Lebanon, Springfield, Coburg and Junction City; all allow social gaming.

The committee found no evidence poker has a negative impact on communities, said committee chair Jim Bean.

James Ashcraft, owner of Chewy's Tavern, submitted nearly 200 signatures to the council in support of the measure. Others argued that social gaming could help tourism or would atleast make it unnecessary for locals to travel to other towns to play poker.

Opponents argued that people too often blow their paychecks on state-run poker machines or lottery scratch cards, and poker tournaments would just be another opportunity to squander one's money.

Mayor Craig Fentiman said he sees little difference between bowling or bunco tournaments with a buy-in fee and a winner's prize and Texas Hold 'Em tournaments.

Councilor Bob McIntire said that while he doesn't gamble, he doesn't think the city should tell others that they can't choose to do so.

"You can't legislate morality," he said.

Citizens opposed to the measure reminded the council that the state does not fund programs for addiction to bowling and bunco, but it does allocate funds for gambling addicts.

Councilor Rich Rowley, a vocal critic of social gaming, said the tournaments would not benefit the community, especially when many gamblers already receive state subsidies for rent and food.

"I'm proud that you can't do this in Sweet Home," he said, in reference to one resident's comment that she is embarrassed to tell people she can't gamble in her hometown.

Councilor Scott McKee Jr. argued that the tournaments actually benefit gamblers because they have a spending limit, as opposed to poker machines.

The ordinance requires three public readings before it can become law. The second will take place at the May 22 council meeting.

Patrick Lair can be reached at 258-6441