The World Series of Poker is well underway at the Rio, but the explosive growth of poker seems to have slowed down this year because of a controversial law.
There is lots of excitement, but not as many players. Last year, Congress and the president approved a bill banning online gambling sites. That means fewer buy-ins and final tables, and for the players, playing with funny money is no laughing matter.
The World Series of Poker is all in. But there's a problem. This year, attendance for the main event is down 30-percent.
The sport is more popular than ever. So why the plummet? Web sites. The reason lies on the Internet. Last year, the president signed a port security bill but tucked away in the bill, a provision that banned online games for money. Less online access means less interest and more empty tables.
"It's just kind of arbitrary and capricious, the fact that the President placed it on Internet gaming like he's trying to control what?" said TV host Montel Williams.
Celebrity players like Montel Williams want to fight the ban, but he's also here on a personal mission. Win -- and give the money to families affected by the war in the Iraq. But for most players, it's still about the cold hard cash.
"Poker is a great American tradition." Former Senator Alfonse D'Amato is a political force trying to overturn the ban. "We should be allowed to play poker on the Internet."
D'Amato's proud of his poker past, playing a time or two back in Washington, and he sees a new cause to fight for.
"They've curtailed the rights of millions of Americans, the little guy maybe who can't come to the casino, can't come to Las Vegas," he said.
And even with political muscle and star power, for right now, the only way to get the fun of the flop is to enjoy live tournaments and let the chips fall where they may.
D'Amato's group, the Poker Players Alliance, already has nearly 600,000 members, all trying to keep this popular game legal online. As for Montel, his fortunes went down the river. He went out about an hour into Tuesday's action.
Email your comments to Legislative Reporter Jonathan Humbert.
Celebrity players like Montel Williams want to fight the ban.
Former Senator Alfonse D'Amato is a political force trying to overturn the ban.
