COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Legislators have folded on a bill that would legalize kitchen table poker.

A measure legalizing recreational poker games in homes was sent back to a House panel on Wednesday without debate.

The move ends the bill's chances of passing this year.

State law currently bans any game with cards or dice.

Rep. Wallace Scarborough has said a friendly game of cards should be legal.

The Charleston Republican said he introduced the bill after hearing about a 2006 police raid on a poker game in a Mount Pleasant home. Those arrested included a 79-year-old woman.