Poker Halls Keep Portsmouth Percolating

Poker makes Portsmouth a better place. (Photo by Steve Gray.)"]

Portsmouth, Virginia has something many US cities would love to claim: poker rooms that are used and enjoyed by its citizens and give back to the community. This unique relationship between township and poker was started by Charlie Daniels, who opened a charitable poker hall on Airport Boulevard in 2006 and four years later, a total of five venues for real-world poker players are operational within the city limits. Some city council members have grumbled a bit, but the donations that these rooms accumulate have done a lot of good in the community. The Victory Poker Lounge gives over $25,000 a month to local charities like the Portsmouth Community Health Center and the Disabled American Veterans center.

So why is Portsmouth so poker-happy? Earle C. Mobley, the progressive Commonwealth's Attorney, sided with judges and gamers around the world and determined that Texas Hold 'Em is a game of skill, not chance. Despite some controversy (including the recent edict that police officers can no longer serve as security at poker halls in their off-duty hours,) the city council and other government officials can not deny the positive effect the rooms have had.

That said, Councilwoman Marlene Randall said that she is adamantly opposed to gambling in all forms and considers poker to be just that. "We sure don't need a reputation as a poker haven," she told reporters.

Charities contact the Poker Palace and other poker halls regularly requesting funds and Daniels stated that his organization has donated over $700,000 since 2006.

Even as the various elements of power in Portsmouth battle over the game and its impact in the community, the long-dormant, recently reactivated local Police Athletic League is happy to accept donations from The Circle Restaurant's poker operations. Without the poker hall's donation, it has no regular funding stream.

Play poker online at Bodog and you can enjoy your favorite game without wondering what Marlene Randall thinks of you.