National Poker Challenge faces another setback, this time in Arkansas

The National Poker Challenge, an business that has drawn fire from state governments in the past for its model that charges people a membership fee to participate in live poker tournaments, saw its Arkansas debut delayed this week when state officials raised public concerns regarding the legality of NPC events.

Like many US states, Arkansas has laws preventing the wagering on an event of chance - and while NPC has attempted to create a system whereby contestants aren’t directly wagering, apparently Arkansas officials still had issues sufficient to warn the NPC not to go ahead with their planned launch.

Michael White, President of the NPC, issued this statement regarding the matter: “It is with mixed emotions that I have to tell you that National Poker Challenge will not be able to provide you the best legal poker experience quite yet. While we are ready, the city of Little Rock has insinuated that it would like further information meetings before opening. This is actually a good sign as we wish for the city to have full understanding about NPC and we are more than happy to extend this courtesy and express the excitement that we are generating in the Little Rock market. When we do open, we will still plan on consecutive weekends and if you are already signed up, you will not have to re-sign up. Please keep telling your friends and family about NPC to ensure that they get a seat in the games and we’ll be sure to let you know what dates the games and leagues will start”

The NPC has also yet to reopen it’s Oregon branch, which was shuttered under a bit of controversy and confusion roughly a month ago.