A bar in Harrisburg, South Dakota, has officially reopened its doors after having its beer license revoked. The bar closed after the poker tournaments it had been hosting were deemed illegal. Todd's Place reopened after an appeal was filed, and the bar's owner, Todd Erks, conceded not to allow card playing on the bar's premises. According to South Dakota gambling laws, poker is considered a game of chance, and as such, an illegal gambling game in all locations except for casinos and the town of Deadwood.

Erks is reportedly thinking of working to change the legal classification of the Texas hold'em brand of poker to a “game of skill," the likes of which are legal in the state. Todd's Place used to hold Texas hold'em tournaments, which players could enter for a fee. A percentage of the fee went to the bar, and the rest was designated to prizes. At least for now, Todd's Place can't hold card games of any kind, even if this time, they're free to enter.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Wednesday, 12 October 2005