Bill > H755

This bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly permit and define "social card games" at municipal senior centers, establishing clear guidelines for such games. The bill defines a social card game as a card game (such as poker, bridge, or rummy) with specific restrictions: winnings per player cannot exceed $50 in a single session, each player's contribution is limited to $5 or less, all wagered money must be distributed to players by the end of the session, all participants must be natural persons competing on equal terms without receiving additional compensation, and no one can profit from organizing or hosting the game beyond individual player winnings. The legislation specifically applies only to municipal senior centers and provides legal protection by preventing prosecution or arrest of individuals hosting or playing these social card games, while still allowing private establishments the right to prohibit such games on their premises. This bill essentially creates a safe, regulated framework for low-stakes social card playing among seniors, ensuring that such recreational activities can occur without legal risk.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H755