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Poker League Set to Take Over Nation

MISSOURI – As reported by the Kansas City Star: "The Texas Hold 'Em poker craze has spawned a hit TV show, and the next big thing could be free, legal tournaments in neighborhood bars, coast to coast.

"The Amateur Poker League Inc. was founded in Wichita last winter, and a competitor, The Poker Pub Inc., has operated at several Lawrence locations since February.

"…Amateur Poker League founder, chairman and chief executive Dave Wallace has undisguised national ambitions.

"Sales agents have fanned out to several states, and Wallace said games could be under way by June in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and California — with the rest of the 50 states to follow as quickly as more sales representatives can be hired and trained.

"…The company sells poker, but nobody gambles.

"Players join the Amateur Poker League through participating bars and clubs at no cost, and then play with chips. Players are strictly prohibited from wagering real money.

"…The minimum age for Amateur Poker League membership is 18.

"…The Amateur Poker League's business plan is deceptively simple.

"Every registered player gets an equal number of chips and is assigned to a table. Play continues until someone wins all the chips. Top winners get gift certificates and other modest merchandise prizes from the host bars — plus earning points toward regional and eventually a national championship.

"Top prizes already being given away in weekly regional tournaments for local winners include Caribbean cruises and weekend getaways to Las Vegas. Wallace said the big prizes are donated by a travel agency that reaps advertising exposure. And he said he's working on several national brand name sponsors — beer, auto and casinos.

"…Host sites enjoy a rousing business…"

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