Visitors of Alaska public rooms would not likely enjoy spinning roulette wheels, or sliding coins into the slots. But the good news is that they can start practicing their poker faces.
Last week the Alaska House polled for poker and other card games to be catered in public rooms. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Pete Kott maintained that contrary to roulette and slot machines, poker should not be viewed as gambling, but more like a game where skill prevails. Two small victories substantially minimizing the scope of the bill could be claimed by the opponent party: local elections would be held by municipalities and determine whether cards rooms should be allowed or not. In addition, poker chips would not be purchasable on credit cards.
Though popularity wise, roulette wheels and slot machines are not far behind poker, it is poker that has been broadcasted nationwide by the sparking tournaments on ESPN and Fox Sports Network.
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