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A Florida appeals
court threw out a state rule on Friday that had previously closed down
poker contests at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club.
The first District
Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, FL consisted of a panel of three judges
that unanimously defended the kennel club and other gambling
establishments in a dispute over holding tournaments where participants
had to pay a $45.00 entry fee.
Tournaments at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club were halted back in
November when an emergency rule was issued by state regulators on
account of the strict bet limits that are a part of Florida state law.
However, the court of appeals determined
that the state reulators were unjustified in issuing such an emergency
rule where it was state the kennel club was showing a "danger" to the
health, welfare, or safety of patrons.
Dan Francati, GM of the Daytona Beach
Kennel Club, said that they offer games which have bet limits of $2.00
and three raises maximum. Although he acknowledge that some players want
to play in tournaments, which has been fuel by the poker craze which has
lead to a multitude of televised poker tourneys.
Francati also said that these
tournaments account for a large part of their business.
The Department of Business and
Professional Regulation stated that the appeals court opinion was being
reviewed on Friday by the state regulators who had their emergency rule
thrown out. |
