Gambling in churches

Senate committee has approved a bill to allow gambling in churches.
The bill would let churches and other nonprofit groups hold card games for charity. The bill would create an exception for fundraising to the 200-year-old ban on dice and card games.
The bill spells out which games that should be allowed, including five-card draw, Texas Hold'em, and seven-card stud.
Orangeburg Senator Brad Hutto says the bill would be a money making opportunity for nonprofit organizations.
The South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations says groups want to raise money through events like casino nights.
The bill would still have to go through the full Senate and the House. But a spokesman says Governor Mark Sanford generally opposes extending gambling for any purpose.