At least one local casino is concerned about the possibility of poker tournaments, such as the one proposed at the Chez Paree in Carter Lake. Ed Fasulo, senior vice president and general manager of Ameristar, said although his organization does not have a poker room, he is concerned.
"As one of three gaming facilities licensed in the area, anything that occurs outside of the licensed facility is a concern," he said.
Harrah's officials said they did not want to comment on the issue at this time.
Rep. Paul Shomshor said he thinks the state has a compelling case saying the tournament is illegal.
The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals said the poker tournament would violate state law. Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber said he thinks it does not and will not prosecute the facility if it operates as it has stated it would.
Wilber advised area legislators of his opinion that a loophole in the law allows for the tournament.
"I don't support it, but I don't think there is enough there to prove to a jury that this is illegal. I don't want to waste the taxpayers' money," he said. "I don't have the luxury of sitting in an office in Des Moines. I have to go into the courtroom and make the case."
Shomshor said he would favor closing any loophole if there is one.
"I'd be hesitant to have gaming outside of regulated institutions," he said.
Chez Paree's attorney, David Richter, said a 10-week tournament is scheduled to begin at the 13th and Locust street facility, formerly the White Horse Grill, on Jan. 7.
Wilber said it is his understanding that the county would be the appropriate one to prosecute or attempt to stop the tourney and, at this point, he has no intention of doing so.
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