A fraternity at the University of
Tennessee says it plans to hold its Texas Holdem poker
tournament for the chapter's philanthropy despite
indications from a state official the tournament
constitutes illegal gambling.
The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity says the
money they raise goes to the PUSH America foundation
with help from Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 World Series
of Poker champion.
Moneymaker is a former member of
the UT chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.
Pi Kappa Phi spokesman Steve Evans
says he believes its OK because no one actually plays
with money on the table.
Players don't "buy in", they simply
pay a registration fee. Entrants get a T-shirt, while
prizes for top winners include a 32-inch television, an
Xbox video game system and a digital camera.
But the director of charitable
solicitations for the Tennessee Secretary of State said
the tournament is an "unlawful event" -- even the way it
is set up.
Evans says they are going ahead
with the tournament scheduled for today.
