Texas Holdem Tournaments televised on cable television have renewed popularity of the game and bars around the state have been taking advantage it, hosting poker tournaments to boost business on slow nights.

But, earlier this month, Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Murphy Painter said his agency is preparing to send warning letters — or cease-and-desist orders — to bars. Violations could result in bar owners facing liquor license revocations and criminal charges.

Joe Long, an attorney, filed papers in state court in Baton Rouge to block the crackdown and have the games declared legal.

The lawsuit points out that the Texas Holdem players put up their own entry fees and bet their own money and that all money risked is returned to players in the form of cash prizes.

Painter was not available for comment Friday afternoon. In a recent interview, Painter noted that the bars do benefit from the tournaments. "Because the whole deal is to increase alcohol and foods sales, it's just impossible for us to sit back and sanction it," Painter said.

The lawsuit contends that the bars' profits from the sale of drinks or food are irrelevant.

"Plaintiffs do not take a "rake" from the game or profit from the game or charge the patrons to play Texas Holdem poker in their establishments, but rather simply provide space and equipment to allow their patrons to play poker for money amongst themselves," the lawsuit said. "Any purchase of concessions by players is voluntary and not required by the bar."

Long filed the lawsuit on behalf of Mugsy's Inc., which runs Bayou Billiards on Florida Blvd., and Bonnie Johnson Chambers, doing business as The Rack on Greenwell Springs Road.

The governor's press office had not received the lawsuit as of Friday evening and had no comment.