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First Poker Room Opens in Arkansas

The first poker lounge of the National Poker Challenge in Memphis opened on September 8th, 2007 although Little Rock's attorney declared it unlawful. The National Poker Challenge said that it is allowed because they do not charge players to play in the game. But the NPC said that they charge if the player wants to record their wins and losses. The city lawyer said that policy of the NPC makes it a gaming activity.

Franchise holder Logan Dungan is happy about opening the first poker room in Arkansas but said that he had some apprehension about it. He added that with any business activity, there are problems and challenges that owners have to face.

Dungan decided to join a business venture with the NPC because of the immense popularity of the game in Little Rock. Dungan will hold their first poker games this coming week. About 200 players can participate in the game.

Players do not have to pay to participate but if you want to record your games, you have to pay $100. If you do well in the game, you could win some extra cash.

Those players that pay will get the chance to join bigger poker tournaments in Memphis. But a corporate spokesperson said that players can still advance in the bigger tournaments even if they do not pay.

Steven Shipowitz, the Director for Marketing, said that these are free poker tournaments and players do not have to pay so it is allowed. But Little Rock lawyer Tom Carpenter said that it is not allowed because gambling is not allowed under Arkansas rules.

A spokesperson for the Little Rock Police Department commented that they are aware of the poker room's opening. Lt. Terry Hastings said that they will carefully monitor the operations and if they find anything unacceptable they will immediately take action.

The NPC said that they already have 150 people who registered to play for the 1st week of the poker room.

09/25/2007, Tuesday
Todd Sanders

First Poker Room Opens in Arkansas

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