Starting a poker room in Wisconsin.

[mrgo24]

Hello. I am interested in starting a poker room in the state of Wisconsin. Currently we only have Indian Tribe casino's, but the state recently passed a law that allows 24 hour casino's and more games, such as poker, craps, roulette, etc.

Is it legal to open a poker room in the state of WI without a license? We will be playing with chips, but those chips would represent money already given to the "house". For tournaments, the house would a small portion out to cover for food/refreshments. No liquor will be served.

If you look at the following webpage:
www.gamblemilwaukee.com they advertise freely on the internet their poker game. This is a family restaurant/bar. If they can do this, why can't I?

Any information would be appreciated. If a license is needed, if someone could lead me in a direction where I could obtain one, that would be great.

Thank you.

 

[JETX]

Simply, you are NOT going to get a factual answer on this forum for this question. First problem, there are NO Wisconsin attorneys on the forum. Second, there are far too many variables in your 'operation' to be definitive in any response.

I would suggest that you talk with a local attorney about your plans. It is probably important that you 'get familiar' with an attorney now anyway, for future needs.

 

[mrgo24]

For future needs?

 

[JETX]

Yep, future needs.

 

[mrgo24]

First of all, explain. Second of all, you make it sound like people joining this forum should know that no lawyers whopost here are from WI. Maybe I missed a line somewhere in-between.

 

[JETX]

Oh, geeze, will you give this a break!!!

"First of all, explain."
*** Though I owe you NO explanations for anything I said, I will say simply that if you are planning on doing ANY business, the first thing you need to do is to find an attorney. That is very simple common sense. At some point, right or wrong, you and/or your business will need legal services. And it is very likely that if your business is opening a poker room (based on recently enacted legislation), you will need the services of a local attorney even more.

"Second of all, you make it sound like people joining this forum should know that no lawyers whopost here are from WI. Maybe I missed a line somewhere in-between."
*** On the list of 'active legal' states, I would imagine that Wisconsin ranks somewhere near Guam or maybe Puerto Rico. And having been an active member of this forum for about 3 or 4 years, I can safely say that I have NEVER, EVER seen any post from any attorney in Wisconsin. So, yes, I would figure it is extremely unlikely that a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association will respond to you on this forum.... and even less likely that one will 'pop up' on this forum in the next few days. If you have an attorney friend, send him on over. Right after you talk with him about your venture.

 

[mrgo24]

that's all I needed to know...without the sarcasm. thanks.

 

[JETX]

Then you should have asked.... without the sarcasm.
You're welcome.

 

[mrgo24]

Any suggestion on what kind of local laywer I should visit? Should I expect a fee?

Thanks.

 

[JETX]

"Any suggestion on what kind of local laywer I should visit?"
*** I would assume that since this is (apparently) recently enacted legislation, you would probably be best to try to find someone who may have been involved in the development of the statute. He/she would probably be well versed on its content and intent.

"Should I expect a fee?"
*** Yes.