Businesses Betting on Draw of Poker

Joplin Tribune

JOPLIN, Missouri

"While the poker players keep hoping for that once-in-a-lifetime royal flush, the pubs and bars hosting local tournaments are pretty happy with their full houses.
"Poker tournaments are popping up at more and more area establishments, bringing in additional business for many of them.
"Angie Burger, owner of the Sports Page at 1600 S. Main St. in Joplin, said the influx of customers playing cards has had ample effect on her business. "We have a hundred times more business," she said.
"Under Missouri law, three elements must be present for promotions to be considered gambling: prizes, games of chance and consideration.
"In Bill Johnson, owner of No Limit Productions, poker tournaments, two of the three elements are present. Poker is a game of chance, and the players are competing for a chance to win a seat in the Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica, Miss.
"But Johnson's argument is that consideration is missing. The Missouri law defines consideration as the exchange of something of value for the opportunity to take part in the game. "We don't charge our players to play," Johnson said..."