By Bob Katzen

This bill would allow low stakes card games and other recreational games at senior centers. The bill would limit the amount of money contributed by a single player during the entire session to $5 and the winnings of a single player to $20. Games included are pitch, cribbage, mahjong, rummy, pinochle, canasta, dominoes, bridge and bingo.

Supporters said that some senior centers have banned these games because under current law they are technically illegal and the centers fear legal repercussions.

“It just makes sense to let these folks play card games,” said sponsor Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfield). “They aren’t high rollers who are looking to make money. They just want to play cards and recreational bingo with their friends and peers.”