Garry Gates

I like the recent buzz emanating from my hometown state of Pennsylvania. Rep. H. William Deweese, current Democratic leader of the Pennsylvania House, has resurfaced with ambitious talk of plans to propose a bill that would allow licensed gaming facilities to offer poker and other tables games in an effort to reduce state property taxes. Phew, what a mouthful. In short, Mr. Deweese wants poker for sheezy! (Yes, I know… corny, but effective).

Citing the increasing population of poker players in the United States, Deweese expressed desire to compete with neighboring states for consumer gaming dollars. Both New York and New Jersey currently offer Las Vegas style gaming facilities, while other states like Delaware and West Virginia are making rapid progress en route to adopting more liberal policies toward gaming operations.

Slot machine parlors were legalized in Pennsylvania in 2004. Since then, only one has opened for business, though the future remains bright for the industry in the Keystone State. On November 14, the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs near Wilkes Barre, PA celebrated its grand opening, officially becoming Pennsylvania’s first casino. Previously established racetracks, as well as a few newcomers to the game are currently fighting for rights to the remaining 13 licenses allotted by the state.

Realizing the potential for a new breed of customers with the addition of table games, Deweese argues, “we started with slot machines and now we should complete the job because there is no practical difference between putting $10 in a slot machine and putting $10 on a blackjack or poker table." Specific details of Deweese’s plan remain unknown, as the bill is still a work in progress.

Regardless, people are finally starting to talk poker in Pennsylvania! I made the move to Las Vegas in September of 2004 with aspirations of taking my poker game to the next level. Prior to then, the only “brick and mortar” venues close to my hometown were a collection of Indian casinos situated in upstate New York near Buffalo, a lengthy and inconvenient drive from my residence in northwestern Pennsylvania. My friends and I, including my dad who introduced me to the game, made the drive when the itch became too great to scratch, though we logged the bulk of our hours online.

Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Board also contributed to the lack of a poker presence in the state. Horror stories of LCB busts of private poker games spread to high-ranking members of our local Elk’s club, hosts of our weekly game, who in turn expressed concern that we might be next. We managed to hold one highly successful multi-table tournament before the club decided we should play it safe and limit our use of the club to a smaller contest. Our weekly game was eventually moved upstairs into the confines of an old kitchen, crammed with junk that nobody used nor wanted, but we embraced our new space and made it work.

Now that I’m living in Las Vegas, I don’t have to worry about not having a place to go and play. I can find a game at any hour, both night and day, big or small, and I don’t have to drive two or three hours to get there. For the sake of my poker-playing cronies back in PA, and for the general well being of the game, I’m rooting for you Mr. Deweese!

There are few things that are so unpardonably neglected in our country as poker... Why, I have known clergymen, good men, kindhearted, liberal, sincere, and all that, who did not know the meaning of a 'flush'. It is enough to make one ashamed of one's species.

- Mark Twain

Contact Garry at garry_m_gates@yahoo.com