05/05/1974 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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would perrnl f anyiiiiriwer of ordinances dealing 'wi th 'social games-' certain types of games in private clubs, others in places of public accommodation, or other limita- tions. 'The question was whether legalization of social games was desired. He said 'that if they were ,legalized they would have to be limited to no house player, odds, 'income, or bank. '. 'In answer to Councilmen Hershner and Williams, Mr. Long said that under the new law there would be no house income allowed, the 25% gross would in no way apply, and that as of May 5, unless the Council adopted an ordinance permitting them, ,social games would be illegal. If an ordinance was adopted permitting social games, clubs would be barred from accepting any money. CouncilwQ!Tlapc"aI!!pbell expressed concern about taking action not consistent with that of the County. Mr. Long agreed, saying if the Council considered legalizing social games, it should be done in conjunction with the County in order to develop the flame legislation for both jurisdictions. Councilman Murray thought there would~be the same concern with regard to any legislation's being consistent with that on a State-wide basis. ,Councilman Keller wondered if there was any differentiation between night clubs ,and other locations for gambling. Mr. Long answered that unless the City acted there would be no social games any place except in private ,homes. In answer to Councilwoman Campbell, he said,that betting on horse races was governed by an en- itirely different set of laws covering pari-mutuel betting. ; >... ':- In answer to Mayor Anderson, Mr. Long said the existing situation - games in private clubs or fraternal organizations where there is income to the organization sponsoring the games - could not be continued unless the Council authorized them, and in that event there could be no house income. '. Councilwoman Beal asked what would prevent taverns from increaSing prices on drinks, to compensate for loss of previous income from card games. Mr. Long answered that although it was a hypothetical question he felt such price raising would be illegal. Councilman Keller asked what brought about the 1974 legislative change. Mr. Long answered that experience in attempting to enforce the 25%-of-gross rule, the fact that gambling appeared to be the main source of income in some establishments, and ,the potential for abuse seemed to cause the Legislature to feel Oregon gambling laws _were too liberal. ~! Police Chief Dale Allen reported on experience of other local juriSdictions in Oregon with gambling and action taken with regard to the local option to permit social games (Portland, Salem, ,Marion County, Medford, Coos Bay, Lebanon, AND Rufus).; Portland and Salem will soon have ordinances before them for consideration; Marion County will consider allowing games only in fraternal or private clubs, not in public places; Medford allows only poker games but will probably consider licensing 'fraternal and private clubs; Coos Bay and Lebanon adopted ordinances permitting social games; and Rufus adopted an ordinance permitting social games at the dis- ,c.re~~on of~hepolice chief. -- ---= ~The Chief reported twO 'calls in the past six months directIy' related to gambling one robbery and one aggrava ted assaul t. However, he express,ed concern about the potential drain on police department manpower because of other problems stemming from gambling if it is legalized. 'Councilman Hershner asked if there was any comparison between private clubs and :public accommodations with regard to problems in connection with gambling en- : countered by the police department. Chief Allen answered that there had been no : significant manpower problems, that there had been very few arrests and prosecu- , ,tions for gamb~~./ In answer to Councilman Keller's suggestion that the management; 'of establishments-would offer some degree of control, the Chief answered that he would think there would be-less conflict in a private club where people were known to each other than in a pUblic place where strangers were participating in games. ; Mr. Williams moved seconded by Mr. Keller that staff developanOrainance~=-=1 that would permit social games in the city of Eugen~-~o include both , Comm public and private clubs, that would establish regulations and licensing $/1/74 fees adequate to finance police department costs of enforcement, and to ARprove work wi th Lane County in development of the ordinance to develop a uniform . program throughout the area. I iIn making the motion Mr. Williams said that attempting to regulate public morality :by not permitting gambling of any type could only result in more problems and ;possibly involve organized gambling. He sympathized with the police department's :problems but said that making gambling unlawful would not prevent it. , ,\~~ >;;.... 5/6/74 12