Legislature Approves
Texas Hold 'Em Poker For Charities April 29, 2005
The Legislature approved a bill Wednesday allowing charities to stage Texas Hold 'Em events as fundraisers.
"I think the potential for making money is going to be a lot greater," said Rick Walker, owner of Wild Bill's Northwest, a Portland company that stages casino nights for charities.
The version of poker has soared in popularity with televised high-stakes poker tournaments.
Walker figures his company also will be a big winner. Already, one of his big moneymakers is a free Hold 'Em league that features noncash prizes.
As of now charities can only offer games where players compete against the house, such as in blackjack or craps.
With HB2311, which goes to the governor, games like Texas Hold 'Em where players compete against each other also will be legal.
They can't play for cash, but Walker said charities can offer enticing prizes, like a trip to Vegas.
The bill passed the Senate with just one no vote -- from Sen. Joanne Verger, D-Coos Bay.
