Poker News for the Week ending July 9, 2010
by Bodog Poker | Jul 9 2010
Pennsylvania
It's official: Pennsylvanians can now walk into Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh or The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County and buy their way into a hand of
Texas Hold ‘Em. Both casinos were packed to the gills when they opened on Thursday morning at 6:00AM as part of the state's efforts to get a much-needed revenue infusion from citizens who'd normally go up Atlantic City for a game. Rivers Casino and The Meadows are joined by Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie who began with their new offerings a bit later in the day. Governor Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania legislature pushed hard last year to get table games added to the 2006 law that allowed
slot machines and lawmakers passed the additional law in January. Congratulations to everyone, especially the players that are getting their first shot at real casino action.
Indiana
A University of Indianapolis professor (whom police are declining to identify) pointed his finger and a
poker "operation" in the Southside neighborhood of Indianapolis was shut down by the local constabulary. The professor informed the cops that several of his students were deeply in debt, going so far as to leave their tuitions unpaid, and that he was deeply worried about their futures. Police arrested William C. Fortner, 45, accusing him of running a “
casino” in the 500 block of National Avenue. While Fortner is a scumbag who took advantage of stupid kids, the hysteria over this arrest on the part of the police force is laughable.
"It's on TV showing guys winning hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Lt. Jeff Duhamell. "The reality is these young people go out here and get in debt over their heads, and it becomes an addiction." Duhamell is definitely not familiar with the amount of commentary that the typical televised game has and how the game is much more than just an addiction for many people. Complaining about televised airings of poker games is like blaming a broken arm while throwing the ball in the backyard on ESPN for showing football games played by millionaires. The fact is, yes, these kids should not have been spending their parents' money in a poker game, but they should also be better educated about the game.
Living Rooms Everywhere
Poker is a nice little side-game in Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption game, a way to get some extra money to spill on bullets or even cheat your way into a duel with some other hombre. The videogame maker announced that an upcoming expansion for the game (available on Xbox 360 and PS3) would incorporate poker into its multi-player offerings as well. The Liars and Cheats pack gives players more mini-games, horse races, the ability to play as the game's single-player characters, and Liar's Dice and Texas Hold ‘Em poker. While you won't be able to win real money while playing, it's a nice addition to an already rich game.
