Iowa Tribe to Allow Younger Poker Players
Sunday May 11, 2008
The Meskwaki Indian tribe in Iowa plans to offer poker to 18-to-21-year-old gamblers next month at its Tama casino, but state regulators said the young players will be barred from slot machines, blackjack and other games. The minimum age for casino gambling in Iowa is 21 years old according to State law but the federal law allows other the Indian tribes to offer other games such as bingo to those players who are 18 years old.
The casino plans to allow 18 -21 year old players the opportunity to play poker at the casino and said it will not take a cut of the pot. Tribal Chairman Adrian Pushetonequa sent a letter to state officials on Monday about the tribe's plans. The poker games will start June 1; and marketing will begin May 15.