Brownsville is the second Linn County town this summer to pass a social gaming ordinance that allows business owners to host Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments.

Natalie Ward, owner of the Brownsville Saloon, requested the ordinance and plans to start hosting tournaments next month, after the new law takes effect Oct. 17.

“We’re the only bar in town,” Ward said. “People asked us about it.”

Most Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments take place in bars and taverns.

In Sweet Home, Chewy’s Sports Pub and Grub and The Waterhole Tavern have received permits to host events since the city council approved, 6-1, a similar social gaming ordinance in July, after five months of controversy.

The city of Halsey approved a gaming ordinance two years ago. It allows Texas Hold ‘Em at the town’s only bar, Julie’s Halsey Tavern.

Oregon law allows social gambling — games in which there are no house odds and the house gains no income from the gambling itself — in private homes and by charitable or nonprofit organizations.

It also allows cities and counties to authorize social games in private businesses such as taverns.

Brownsville City Manager Scott McDowell said the city council will evaluate the ordinance in a year. Sweet Home city officials plan to revisit their new law in two years.

McDowell said there was no opposition to the ordinance before it was unanimously approved during a meeting Monday night.

Because Ward’s tavern closes hours after neighboring businesses do, she said tournaments shouldn’t impact anyone except patrons and contestants.

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Author Contact Info: Ellen Ast, Albany Democrat-Herald