Marysville Sound

City Hall · Oct 14, 2024

Social card game ordinance was scheduled for Oct. 14 consideration

The city's Oct. 14, 2024, City Council agenda listed an ordinance that would repeal the ban on social card games as a commercial stimulant, with three draft versions attached. 1

What the records say

The Oct. 14, 2024, City Council agenda included 'An Ordinance Eliminating the Prohibition on Social Card Games as a Commercial Stimulant,' with a recommended motion to adopt it. 1 Three draft versions were attached: a general social card game ordinance; a version that would keep the ban on house-banked games and on nonhouse-banked games carrying a Class F endorsement; and a version that would keep the ban only on house-banked games. 1 The packet's summary said the item then had three alternative versions to consider and that the city attorney would advise on motion language at the meeting. 1 Analysis: The three versions suggest the council was weighing how broadly to lift the ban, including whether house-banked games should remain off-limits. The agenda packet does not record the meeting's outcome. 1

  • The ordinance would eliminate the city's prohibition on social card games as a commercial stimulant. 1
  • The agenda's recommended motion was to adopt the ordinance. 1
  • Three draft versions were attached: a general version, a version retaining the ban on house-banked games and nonhouse-banked games with a Class F endorsement, and a version retaining the ban on house-banked games only. 1

Why it matters

If adopted, Marysville businesses could host social card games as a commercial stimulant — such as poker-style games offered as entertainment to draw customers — which city code currently prohibits. 1 Operating them would still require compliance with Washington State Gambling Commission licensing and rules covering tables, wagers, and player participation. 1 The records do not establish whether the council acted on the item. 1

What changed / what's next

  • The proposed change would repeal the ban on social card games as a commercial stimulant, which the ordinance says would benefit local businesses. 1
  • The records do not establish the meeting's outcome. 1
  • The packet indicates the council had three versions to choose from and that the city attorney would advise on motion language; it is not clear which version, if any, would be adopted. 1
  • The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome.