Phil Helmuth's Houston Poker Challenge

[KnightEnder]

There is a drive to have Texans, such as myself, sign a petition making it legal for Phil Helmuth to hold a non-profit tournament here in Houston. While I'm all for legalizing poker in Texas I'd like to know more about what I'm signing, and the site gives very little information. Houston Poker Challenge website

Anybody have any information on this subject? Like where the money goes? Who is profiting from the non-profit tournament? Charities? Which ones?

KE

[camo1131]

I am not sure what charity is spondoring it but I saw it advertised in the Houston Chronicle. If its non-profit how is it different from Bingo. COMPLETE JOKE. Sign it

[Guthrie]

If all the money goes to charity and the players get nothing of value in return, then it's legal. If it has been shut down then I'd question where the money goes.

I played in a charity hold 'em tournament in Texas last summer. The tournament director was a state judge.

[Aceshigh7]

The money was to go to the Houston chapter of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer society.

There were to be 4 WSOP main event packages taken out of the proceeds and given away to the top finishers in the tourney. The rest of the money after expenses was to go to the cancer charity. They were estimating that after the prizes and expenses that around 450 grand would have gone to the cancer foundation.

The authorities are idiots for shutting this down. The legislative state of poker in the birthplace of texas holdem is pathetic. If the state was smart they would legalize poker the same way California did. There are millions of dollars in revenue from Texas players that go to Louisiana in droves that could be staying in state.

[bvaughn]

You're damn right Aceshigh! How ridiculous is it that Texas has a LOTTERY, DOG TRACKS, and HORSE TRACKS, yet won't even consider legalized casino gambling or legalized poker? It's a freaking joke.

Vote for Kinky Friedman for Governor next year - he may be running as kind of a joke but he says he'll legalize gambling in Texas.

[maldini]

[ QUOTE ]
You're damn right Aceshigh! How ridiculous is it that Texas has a LOTTERY, DOG TRACKS, and HORSE TRACKS, yet won't even consider legalized casino gambling or legalized poker? It's a freaking joke.

Vote for Kinky Friedman for Governor next year - he may be running as kind of a joke but he says he'll legalize gambling in Texas.

[/ QUOTE ]

the governor is going to legalize gambling? i guess you're not to up on political structure. anyway the governor of texas has about as much power as the US rep from Guam.

dont vote until you read a book.

[bvaughn]

I realize that a governor can't just snap his fingers and "legalize gambling". I know how political process works. But, a leader, whether it's a governor or president, can use his influence to push legislation through the house and senate. If there's too much resistance, then obviously a governor or president can't make something happen alone. If the house and senate passed legislation legalizing gambling in Texas right now, governor Perry would probably veto it to satisfy the extreme conservatives. My suggestion to vote for Kinky was really a joke since I think his campaign is more of a joke and publicity stunt than anything.

[maldini]

ok. i was a bit harsh. sorry. i just hate this kinky stuff because he is not viable but the media wants a good fight for ratings so acts like there is a real movement out there. which is nonsense of course.

[pokerstudAA]

That is lame. Alot of money destined for good charitable causes stopped because of fear over gambling. And yet all the backroom cardrooms continue to go un-policed. Come on. Mabye they just dont like Phil H.

They had upped the seats to 10. The entire final table was getting WSOP seats.