Those anticipating playing Texas Hold-em Poker in Rockaway Beach have been delayed. While about five people were observed registering for the free membership offered by the Twin Lakes Card Club at approximately 11:35 a.m., no playing of poker by any member of the public was observed during the period 11:35 a.m. to approximately 12:15 p.m.
During an interview held at that time Jason Williams, the clubs’ owner, indicated that although the basic games and structure had not changed there had been a major change. The change, based on communications he has had with the Missouri Gaming Commission and State Police since the original interview on Dec. 1, involved buy-ins. During that interview he said that although membership in the club was free that “buy-ins” were required for all tournaments, a fact also reflected on the clubs web site.
As of today, he said there are no more buy-ins and all members can play for free and buy-ins for Rockaway Beach have been removed from the website. Williams said they intended to have the free play all along. When asked why he didn’t mention that fact during the Dec. 1 interview he said he did not want to confuse anyone.
Wiliams went on to point out that although there will be no buy-ins, custom card guards will be sold for varying amounts and, because those purchasing the card guards will considered “preferred customers,” they will be given preferred seating at all tournaments. The prizes to be awarded at each tournament would be determined after seating and could run the range of token prizes to cash prizes and seats in higher value tournaments depending on the value of the custom card guards represented by those in the tournament.
At approximately 2:32 p.m., when contacted for some further information, Williams indicated that he had had further conversations with law enforcement officials after our initial interview and that “preferred seating” was no more. When asked how the value of the prizes would be determined, Williams indicated, in what appeared to be a frustrated voice, that the minimum prizes would be determined after the seating for each tournament.
Williams said that if they could get things worked out with “them” and there were enough players it was his intention to have a tournament at 7:00 p.m.
Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.
