IL Ruffino
17-02-2006, 16:25
FRACKVILLE — U.S. Rep. T. Timothy Holden, D-17, participated in the Super Bowl pool at Elks Lodge 1533.
"I belong to the Elks," Holden said Wednesday night. "I bought a block for $200. It's not illegal to buy a block on a Super Bowl pool. Many Americans do it and I've been part of a Super Bowl pool for as long as I can remember."
The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement served warrants on Super Bowl Sunday at the lodge, 305-307 S. Third St., and at the 53 S. Balliet St. home of Frackville Mayor Delmar C. Phillips, who is the lodge secretary.
Agents said they seized football pools, four video slot machines and $35,412 cash in the action that was carried out shortly after noon.
State Police Sgt. Donald B. Fernbach reportedly said the confiscated items are part of a continuing investigation.
Holden said he was not aware the raid took place when he arrived at the Frackville lodge around 4 p.m. Sunday.
"I was all set to root for the Steelers and have a good time," Holden said.
Since the police removed all funds and information dealing with the football pools, Holden said, "I never saw the result."
In Pennsylvania, it's not illegal for a person to buy a chance, Holden said, citing Pennsylvania Crimes Code Section 5512.
It states unlawful lotteries or numbers games are nuisances and an individual is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor if he or she sets up, manufacturers, advertises or sells unlawful lottery numbers.
But purchasers aren't to be prosecuted, Holden said.
"The purchaser of any such ticket, or device, shall not be liable to any prosecution or penalty arising out of this crime, and shall in all respects be a competent witness to prove the offense," the lottery law states.
"It's not illegal to buy a chance," Holden stressed.
Holden said he has been a member of the Frackville Elks for about 25 years.
Asked if he knew about video slot machines at the lodge, Holden said, "I stop in a couple of times a year, but I didn't know anything about slot machines. I don't know anything about that."
State police said no charges had been filed as a result of Sunday's raids.
Now, the Elks are good people. My dad is even a member.. Should they be making this into a big deal? They do good things for the community and they were not going to make a profit on the pool.
Whats so bad about making bets anyways?
"I belong to the Elks," Holden said Wednesday night. "I bought a block for $200. It's not illegal to buy a block on a Super Bowl pool. Many Americans do it and I've been part of a Super Bowl pool for as long as I can remember."
The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement served warrants on Super Bowl Sunday at the lodge, 305-307 S. Third St., and at the 53 S. Balliet St. home of Frackville Mayor Delmar C. Phillips, who is the lodge secretary.
Agents said they seized football pools, four video slot machines and $35,412 cash in the action that was carried out shortly after noon.
State Police Sgt. Donald B. Fernbach reportedly said the confiscated items are part of a continuing investigation.
Holden said he was not aware the raid took place when he arrived at the Frackville lodge around 4 p.m. Sunday.
"I was all set to root for the Steelers and have a good time," Holden said.
Since the police removed all funds and information dealing with the football pools, Holden said, "I never saw the result."
In Pennsylvania, it's not illegal for a person to buy a chance, Holden said, citing Pennsylvania Crimes Code Section 5512.
It states unlawful lotteries or numbers games are nuisances and an individual is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor if he or she sets up, manufacturers, advertises or sells unlawful lottery numbers.
But purchasers aren't to be prosecuted, Holden said.
"The purchaser of any such ticket, or device, shall not be liable to any prosecution or penalty arising out of this crime, and shall in all respects be a competent witness to prove the offense," the lottery law states.
"It's not illegal to buy a chance," Holden stressed.
Holden said he has been a member of the Frackville Elks for about 25 years.
Asked if he knew about video slot machines at the lodge, Holden said, "I stop in a couple of times a year, but I didn't know anything about slot machines. I don't know anything about that."
State police said no charges had been filed as a result of Sunday's raids.
Now, the Elks are good people. My dad is even a member.. Should they be making this into a big deal? They do good things for the community and they were not going to make a profit on the pool.
Whats so bad about making bets anyways?