While online poker in the United States is still classified as ‘illegal’ playing card games in a church appears to be legal. As the separation of church and state grows greyer by the day, poker remains just as unclear in the eyes of citizens and lawmakers alike.

Playing organized poker games for charity, in churches, would be legal in South Carolina under a bill that was approved by a Senate panel Thursday, February 14^th. The new legislation would allow churches, nonprofit groups and other charities to host card and other casino games to raise money. The new bill would make a previously passed South Carolina bill void barring card games and dice. The bill discussed Thursday specifically says five-card draw, Texas Hold'em, and seven-card stud should be allowed for charities and churches.

"It's a money making opportunity for nonprofits," said state Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg.