23-5-157. Gambling on cash basis — penalties. (1) (a) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b), in every gambling activity the consideration paid for the chance to play must be made in cash. A check or debit card may be used to obtain cash to participate in a gambling activity. A participant shall present the cash needed to play the game as the game is being played. If a check or debit card is used to obtain cash on the premises of a licensee then it must be delivered and accepted unconditionally. A licensee or employee of a licensee may not hold a check or other evidence of indebtedness for redemption pending the outcome of a gambling activity.

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(b)The consideration for the chance to participate in Calcutta pools as provided in 23-5-222, raffles as provided in 23-5-413, casino nights as provided in 23-5-702, and card games normally scored using points as provided in Title 23, chapter 5, part 3, may be paid by cash, check, or debit card.

(c)Credit gambling is prohibited. Credit gambling is offering or accepting as part of the price of participation in a gambling activity or as payment of a debt incurred in a gambling activity:

(i)a check, credit card, or debit card held pending the outcome of a gambling activity;

(ii)a loan of any kind at any time from or on behalf of a licensee;

(iii)any form of deferred payment, including a note, IOU, post-dated check, hold check, or other evidence of indebtedness; or

(iv)a check issued or delivered that is accepted by the licensee with the knowledge that it will not be paid by the depository.

(2)A person who violates this section is guilty of a criminal offense under 23-5-156 and must be punished in accordance with 23-5-161 or 23-5-162.