PokerWorks

In case you missed them in our daily News Flash, here's the rewind for your reading pleasure:

Monitoring and Legitimizing Online Poker Industry

The Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act is still on the minds of many after its recent passage through the House Financial Services Committee, and H.R. 2267 continues to gather momentum. The Los Angeles Times just published an op-ed article on the subject, endorsing the bill sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank. Not only does it acknowledge that the current system is not working, but regulation will be the key to monitoring and legitimizing the already popular industry.

Wild New Poker Game 1968

Recently discovered on the Google books website, the Time Magazine issue from August of 1968 contained an article about a “wild new poker game” called Texas hold’em. The description of the game noted that 22 players could participate in each hand, and it was affectionately called “Hold Me” because of the intense nature of the game. The article’s author claimed it would replace stud and catch fire with the 47 million poker addicts in America.

Hollywood Casino - Live Poker for Toledo Residents

Ohio residents will soon be able to find casinos in their own state rather than traveling to find games. With the 2009 law authorizing the construction of four casinos, projects are in the works, but Toledo is ahead of the game as Penn National Gaming broke ground on its new Hollywood Casino facility. Though its planned completion date isn’t until 2012, Toledo residents can begin honing their poker skills for the 20 poker tables planned for that casino alone.

City Officials Close Charity Poker Games

Some controversy is surfacing in the town of Portsmouth, Virginia with regard to charity poker games. Though the Commonwealth’s attorney, Earle Mobley, recently came out in favor of the poker rooms and their legal status, the rooms were just ordered closed by city officials. Millions of dollars have been raised for local charities through local poker efforts since the halls began opening in 2006, but the city has chosen to enforce the closing order. Whether Mobley or anyone else will fight the charge remains to be seen.