Action | Promulgation of regulations for Texas Hold’em poker tournaments by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 5/10/2023 |
I applaud Virginia for attempting to allow commercialized poker, but it is apparent from these proposed regulations that the author has not been to a professionally run poker room to see had it operates effectively for pleasure of the players and the profit of the establishment. If the intent is to somehow put limits on the operation of Virginia pokers rooms then the authors have missed the mark. Poker rooms would not survive under these provisions. There must be a balance in a win/win situation. The players must want to play because they get value to their effort and enjoy the experience. The poker room must remain profitable (after they pay the rent, utilities, staff, advertising, taxes and make charitable donations).
There are specific issues with concurrent tournaments, tipping, the amount of use of proceeds, re-buys, operator fees, electromechanical devices and player limitations that must resolved for poker to become viable in Virginia.