Poker Room Raises Questions Over Gambling Laws

Little Rock poker establishment postponed opening after city said the venue would go against Arkansas gambling laws.The National Poker Challenge has already set up shop in Little Rock and was ready to host its first poker tournament last weekend but had to cancel because the city attorney advised the National Poker Challenge it would be illegal.

Since the opening of the National Poker Challenge one year ago in Memphis, Tennessee, it has expanded to Oregon and Arkansas.They advertise as "the only legal poker room" of its kind in the world.

Most players pay a monthly membership fee to track their performance. No fee is charged for playing the actual game, so players don't have to "buy in."

Little Rock City Attorney Tom Carpenter says just because some participants will play for free is beside the point.

Carpenter argued that the National Poker Challenge's operation is illegal because it involves risking money between two or more people, on a contest or chance, where someone is a winner and loser.