Iowa lawmakers asked regulators Tuesday to help clean up rules governing popular poker games, arguing that Iowans who know when to hold ‘em often don't know when they're breaking a confusing patchwork of laws.

Members of the Government Oversight Committee said their constituents are uncertain when, where and how it's legally appropriate to play Texas Hold 'em and other poker games. Lawmakers said they want clarification, but, for now, they're not interested in new regulations.

"I think we've got some issues here," said Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale. "I think there's ambiguity here so that the general public doesn't understand what's permissible."

Joe Diaz, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, told lawmakers that his agency is dealing with a steady stream of complaints involving poker contests and tournaments.

Only a handful of cases have resulted in penalties. He said the DCI is first trying to educate businesses and individuals about social gambling restrictions.

"It's a very gray area," Diaz said. "There's no question there's a lot of confusion."

Iowa's social gambling laws, which cover gaming outside licensed casinos, are scattered across multiple code chapters. Lawmakers tweaked rules governing poker during the last legislative session.

Authorized groups, including nonprofit charities, can get permission to hold poker tournaments so long as they don't give away cash prizes. A bar or tavern can't legally have a tournament, but a few friends can play poker in the corner booth so long as the stakes don't exceed $50.

Iowans also are allowed to legally play poker in their basement or garage, but only if the game is among players with a "social relationship" and if no individual wins or loses more than $50 in 24 hours.

"There's no question (poker's) very popular," Diaz said. "Certainly it's being played everywhere, college kids, high school kids, you name it."

State law treats poker differently than pinochle, cribbage or bridge. And although a 14-year-old can't buy a lottery ticket, he or she can play $50 poker with friends, buy a raffle ticket or play bingo.

Sen. Mike Connolly, D-Dubuque, said those differences add to the confusion.

"I think people may be violating the law because they don't know what's going on," Connolly said.

Lawmakers asked the Department of Inspections and Appeals to do more to inform Iowans of the current laws, perhaps through a public education effort. They also directed regulators to come up with ideas for streamlining the rules.

Beyond that, it's up to the Legislature to make changes in the laws. That process will begin in November when a subcommittee of the oversight panel is scheduled to meet to discuss gambling issues.