[psandman]

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Here in Utah there were some card clubs that got around the gambling laws by charging fees for a preliminary tourney that paid no prizes, only an entry into a freeroll held on another day that had a substantial non-cash prize (like a big screen TV).

These places were full-bore commercial places that advertised. One of them was in business for over a year and might still be operating. The law did not have the energy to bother with bringing gambling charges, one of them was just hassled to death with zoning violation charges.

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Don't confuse getting around the law with simply being ignored. I just took a look at thtah statutes and its pretty clear that the activity you described falls within the prohibitions of the Utah gambling statutes.