GAMBLING: Don't prosecute seniors

I recently read an article in the newspaper about the senior citizens in Twin Falls who had been caught playing an illegal poker game. Now I know that it is against the law to gamble outside of a casino, but there are some cases where I am not sure about that law.

 I don’t gamble myself, because I have no interest to, but I know others that are and they go to the casino almost every weekend. Granted, most of these people are younger or at least at an age that they can take the noise and activity, but what about those that can’t handle these things? This point brings me to the case of the senior citizens of Twin Falls.

From what I understand, these people gathered around the table to relax and socialize in a comfortable environment and not in a noisy, crowded establishment. For those who read the article, it said that they all put in $20 for each game and gave $500 each to the senior center. It also said that these people looked forward to the game every week, whether or not they were playing in it. In the past, there were times when poker games were played regularly at senior centers; what has changed?

To prosecute these seniors would be using money that would be more useful in more important criminal cases. These senior citizens weren’t hurting anyone. From what I can tell, they were simply having safe, innocent fun.

What would we as the public want the money – most likely our money from taxes – used for more: helping solve a criminal case, or this case involving senior citizens gambling? For me it’s a fast and easy answer. What about you?

A.J. SMITH

Lake City High School student

Coeur d’Alene