Thoughts of a Common Man

The recent announcement by the Graham Liberal government through Department of Public Safety reference Charity Poker Tournaments was welcome news for those who enjoy the sport and was very positive for those who raise funds to fill those gaps in our social system where governments fail to eliminate.

By permitting small community organizations to hold Charity Poker Tournaments puts tournament poker events and those who play the same status as bingo games and Raffles Tickets sales.

The now legal Charity Community Poker Tournament makes it possible for the average non-problematic poker player to have a night out enjoying his/her game while knowing part of his/her entry fee will be going to support local projects rather than disappearing into the massive corporate world of a casino, at a very reasonable cost.

t is now imperative for those responsible for issuing the licences, to poker tournament organizers, to conduct very strict audits and spot checks to ensure the tournaments are properly organized and every cent taken in through entry fees, sponsorship, advertising, 50/50 draws, canteen sales or any other monies raised as a result of holding a poker event are accounted for through proper accounting. If proper supervision of all organized poker tournaments is not established at the very beginning will only lead to abuse which must absolutely be avoided.

Those who understand poker tournament play will now realize there will be fair controlled distribution of poker revenues throughout the province in many more areas rather than just the immediate area surrounding the casino. This announcement treats poker tournaments in the same manner as other community sports tournaments organized for bridge, chess, billiards, darts, hockey and other sports where prizes are won, for which all tournament poker players should be very thankful.

Let’s be accountable, lets enjoy, it’s your deal.

WG Macx MacNichol