These people give poker a bad name!

[DenverPokerTour]

Check out this story on 9 News. This is why I want this industry regulated!

http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=109667


Brian Masters
Denver Poker Tour

[Brent_in_Aurora]

Charity poker tournaments should be legal and regulated.

What did you think of the recent Poker Players Alliance tourney at Coors Field during the Democratic Convention?

[DenverPokerTour]

Charity Poker Tournaments are LEGAL if they are operated legally. In fact, the Denver Poker Tour operates several Charity Poker Tournaments every month. We abide by all State and Federal Gaming Regulations when operating these games. The problem is all the "Fly By Night" companies out there who just want to make a buck, and don't necessarily look at the Legal requirements to host an event or tournament. Or in some cases, they raise the money and never actually give it to the charity or cause.

Like I have said before, the State of Colorado REALLY needs to regulate this industry. I'm all in favor of it. Several other states do.

Brian Masters
Denver Poker Tour

PS. Let me pose a question for comment.

"If the State of Colorado were to LEGALIZE a full buy-in poker tournament with prizes obviously being awarded, what percentage of the Buy-In's would you consider to be acceptable to the host or company for operating the game, including but not limited too: Marketing, Prizes, Equipment Rental Cost, Staffing, and such?"

[rasta]

That's an age old question not limited to poker. What is relevant is the disclosure
of the number of pennies on the dollar that will be donated. Make no mistake,
charities have a history of making it pennies on the dollar.

[tjholdem]

That's an age old question not limited to poker. What is relevant is the disclosure
of the number of pennies on the dollar that will be donated. Make no mistake,
charities have a history of making it pennies on the dollar.

absolutely agree. I have seen situations where the cost of the event takes up to 90 percent of the monies raised. Would this realy be "Charity?"

TJ

[DenverPokerTour]

I've heard rumors that the United Way takes a little over 90% of the donated monies just for their operating costs. That doesn't seem fair either.

Brian Masters
Denver Poker Tour

[Brent_in_Aurora]

You heard a false rumor about United Way. It is actually the other way around, UW spends about 90% on programs and about 10% on op exp.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4629

However, the UW is an umbrella organization, with many operating subsidiaries that function either locally or for a specific purpose. Coincidently, the UW was founded here in Denver.

It doesn't seem fair that the PPA/Paralyzed Veterans of America charity tournament was scrutinized by various agencies of the State of Colorado back in August. Your answer to my question went off on a tangent. I wondered about that particular event and your opinion of it, unless you are levelling the accusation that it was a "fly by night", illegally operated charity tournament? Did I misunderstand you?

I think that the cost of charity tournaments should be expressed in terms of what the casinos operate their tournaments, but not as a percentage.

[DenverPokerTour]

I don't have a problem with "100% Fully Legal" charity poker tournaments.
In regards to the PPA tournament last August, the way the original format was set up for that tournament was questionable at least. You cannot charge an entry fee into a poker tournament and award prizes based upon the performance of the players involved. Yes they did switch the prizes to a random drawing format, but I personally would expect more from the PPA when it comes to the rules and regulations of operating a "Charity Poker Tournament" in Colorado. They adjusted the format of the game AFTER they were told by the CBI and CDG that what they were planning to do was illegal.

I really don't care who runs "Charity" poker tournaments, as long as they are done legally. The "Fly By Night" comment specifically targeted several of the known poker providers that have been routinely discussed here in this forum for operating games not necessarily "Legal".

Brian Masters
Denver Poker Tour

[Brent_in_Aurora]

Did you inform the CBI, the CDG and the Colorado Liquor Board about the PPA tournament?

[DenverPokerTour]

I had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with anything related to the PPA or the tournaments they host, hosted, or promoted. Nor do I have any involvement in the raids conducted by the CBI, CDG, or CLTE. Despite what comments and accusations were made today on the Mike Rosen Show, by Gary Reid of the PPA, my company nor myself had any involvement in the raid at Rafferty's in Greeley, Colorado last year. Nor did I nor my company have anything to do with the Charity Event at Coors Field in August.

I find it incredibly flattering that Gary Reid puts my company, The Denver Poker Tour, on such a pedestal that he would imply that myself or my company could cause the CBI, CLTE, or CGD to raid a poker game, or to target another business for a raid.

In my opinion Gary Reid is just trying to use my company to promote his, and the PPA's, agenda. I do not appreciate it.

Brian Masters
Denver Poker Tour

PS. Is poker a game of skill? In my opinion yes. But the law currently says it is not. Would I like to see it changed? Yes, but right now its' not. So I will continue to operate my games LEGALLY, and I wish for all other companies to do the same.

[Brent_in_Aurora]

Here is the link for the show podcast. We will let the listener decide.

Mike Rosen show poker segment (http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/DENVER-CO/KOA-AM/Rosen03-04-09-11AM.mp3?CPROG=PCAST&MARKET=DENVER-CO&NG_FORMAT=newstalk&SITE_ID=668&STATION_ID=KOA-AM&PCAST_AUTHOR=Mike_Rosen&PCAST_CAT=Spoken_Word&PCAST_TITLE=The_Mike_Rosen_Show)

What is your beef with the PPA? Do you not support open and regulated poker in Colorado? What are your views on internet poker? I am not picking a fight with you, but trying to have an intelligent discussion that seems to have strayed from the original topic.

If you are trying to protect your niche to the detriment of players in Colorado, I strongly oppose that view. Is there a place for you to conduct your business in an open and regulated environment? Probably, but I would much rather have open and regulated poker, like the California card room model.

[DenverPokerTour]

I don't have a "beef" with the PPA. In fact, I am a supporter of them. But I also feel that my being a supporter of the PPA, doesn't mean I can't voice my concern in regards to some of their events.

The PPA and I are in discussion to work out a mutually beneficial relationship that will enable poker players in Colorado to continue to enjoy the game and I'm sure we will inform poker players across Colorado.

Brian Masters
Denver Poker Tour

PS. I had "commentary" with Gary Reid this morning. He clearly pointed out to me in an email, and I quote "The person I referred to was unnamed during the show and I pointedly did not name him (though I do know who it was and I do know it was not you)".