City asks police to fold their charity poker tournaments

Last summer the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police charitable foundation began sponsoring Texas Hold ' em poker tournaments. In less than a year, organizers say they've raised about $88,000 for Portsmouth Catholic Elementary School and the state FOP's charitable foundation.

Apparently, the FOP didn't think they were doing anything wrong. But, under Virginia law illegal gambling is defined as:

"the making of any bet... of money or other thing of value made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake or thing of value... the outcome of which is uncertain, or a matter of chance."

Officials in Portsmouth and in the state legislature can't agree whether poker tournaments are a game of skill or chance. After months of emails, organizers have said that when their lease with the Boulevard Bingo hall expires on June 10th, they will fold their game.

(Thanks to Reed over at the AFP news blog for the tip.)