Winning money isn't in the cards

ANDOVER, Mass. (AP) -- Bridge players at the Andover Senior Center say the deck is stacked against them.
Seniors are threatening to boycott the center after town officials abolished a $4 weekly prize at the afternoon bridge club, saying it violated gambling laws.
The ban inspired players to heckle town manager Reginald Stapczynski when he came to discuss the new policy two weeks ago. One dared him to compare war records.
Last week, volunteer Eve Perry quit after organizing the group for nine years.
"We were having a good time. Everybody was happy," player Donald Hayes said.
"But then they made a big fuss about it."
Stapczynski said officials decided they could not condone illegal gambling of any amount.
"I think the issue goes way beyond the $4," he said. "We want to sponsor programs and we want to follow the law. Cash on the table is just not something we want to promote."
Bingo games offer cash prizes at senior centers with a special permit, but no special permits exist for bridge games, he said.
"I don't think the intent is gambling," said Lieutenant Kevin Winters. "I think the intent is to give them excitement."