COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — An Eagles Club in northern Idaho is closing for two weeks starting Sunday to serve a suspension for operating gambling devices in violation of its liquor license.
“It’s going to hurt,” trustee chairman Karl Lange told the Coeur d’Alene Press. “We’re a nonprofit. We’re not evil. We couldn’t be an Eagles Club if we didn’t give to charity. The charities are the ones who are going to lose.”
The club donates about $20,000 each year to about 10 local charities.
“The Legislature should allow gambling in fraternal organizations because we give proceeds to charities,” Lange said.
The club was warned in 2006 to remove about seven slot machines and to stop allowing poker games. The machines were moved to the club’s basement for a short time but later were returned and gambling continued, resulting in a two-week suspension order by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control.
The club was also fined $7,500 and could have been closed for 90 days.
“It was a trustee decision (to use the machines again) when we first got into trouble,” club President Terry Steiner said. “Then we really got into trouble.”
The club got rid of its slot machines for good after the last visit by state alcohol control officers, Steiner said.
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