Poker News

Charity poker becoming popular in Jackson County

2010-02-15 17:45:37

Jackson County, Michigan has seen the number of poker hands dealt to aid charities increase over the last few years.

According to local newspaper the Citizen Patriot, while Las Vegas-style fundraisers have been commonplace for decades, there has been a significant increase in Texas hold'em tournaments recently.

Venues operating games purely for the good of others include Charity Poker Solutions-owned Hot Rods Poker Room.

Commenting on the trend, co-chief executive officer at the organization Patrick O'Dowd said: "This has revolutionized fundraising for charities in Jackson."

Mr O'Dowd noted that he also puts his support behind a proposed bill that is being considered in the state House to regulate this growing industry.

According to the Jackson Citizen Patriot, over $6 million has gone through the casino since July 2008, with more than $1 million going to not-for-profit establishments.

Earlier this month, celebrities including Lou Diamond Phillips and Nancy 'Bart Simpson' Cartwright took part in a charity poker event at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.