Alaska poker TV: The last frontier?
Alaskan television producer Bob Elyard is pursuing the dream of adding a poker reality show to the lineup of weather reports and local government news.
The game is increasingly popular in Alaska, with an ever-growing membership in the Alaska Poker Association, which started out five years ago with a few dozen members and now has close to 800. Although APA president Wayne McGregor isn’t involved with Lazy Mountain Television, he says that any friend of poker is a friend of his. McGregor is committed to cleaning up the poker stereotype.
Alaska is home to strict gaming regulations. Alaska Alcohol Beverage Control Board director Doug Griffin explains that there are three key elements to illegal gambling. Any two of the three elements are allowed, but the existence of all three pushes the game to the wrong side of the law. With two of the three being a payoff or the element of chance, the easiest way to stay legal is to eliminate consideration, which could be money paid upfront or a bet wagered. “Free means free,” with no entrance fee, no drink minimum, any financial requirement, says Griffin.
Elyard thinks he’s got it covered. Contestants on his weekly 10-table setup will be competing not for a payoff but for the opportunity to join in the World Series of Poker in the mecca of Las Vegas.
The show will stay local at first, with plans to simulcast on the Internet later.
