N.B. government antes up with charity poker law

Eighty-one poker players took part in the first charity "Hold' em" tournament to be held under New Brunswick's new gaming laws - including the province's justice minister.

Justice Minister T.J. Burke, an avid poker fan, said New Brunswick's gaming laws have evolved to give charitable groups access to a new source of revenue.

"Today's craze is Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha Hi-Lo... and these are types of tournaments that players are coming out to participate in, so that we help and assist with charitable organizations that need to off-set some of their overhead by generating revenue," he told CTV Atlantic.

Under New Brunswick's laws, players pay to play in the tournament and at least 45 per cent of the pot must go to a charitable organization. Only 35 per cent of the pot can be given out as prize money.

Paul Wentzell's group of United Commercial Travelers, a service club, last held a poker tournament almost four years ago. At that time they were told it was illegal and they have since lobbied for changes.

"We've been patiently waiting and things have finally worked their way through the government process," he said. "The regulations came out early last month and we're pleased to be hosting the first charity tournament in the province."

The tournament was under close watch by the government, although that was as much about learning how it works as it was about enforcement of the rules.

The Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Paraplegic Association are among the charities benefiting from the tournament, and they say they are pleased with the new laws.

"I think they took their time and did a good job in terms of investigating and making sure that when they did make the announcement and come out with the regulations that they had covered everything," John O'Toole of the Canadian Paraplegic Association said.

Written by CTV.ca News Staff

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