4-9-2007

Willamina High School is hoping to cash in on the recent poker craze. Some senior year students are organizing a no limit Texas Hold Em tournament as a fundraiser. For a 25 dollar entry fee, students (18 years and older) get a chance to walk away with a brand new X-Box video game system.

But not everybody is thrilled with the idea. Local community member Robert Browning saw some of the fliers for the event. We chatted about them and he says the whole idea is a bit disconcerting for him. Specifically he worries about whether the school is condoning or encouraging gambling ... particularly when you realize that the Spirit Mountain Casino is only 12 minutes away (thank you map quest).

So, I took those concerns to the source. School Principal Tim France was not interested in doing a taped interview with me, but over the phone he did address some of Browning's concerns. According to France, the school is rigorously following regulations set forth by the Department of Justice. Additionally, France says this is an opportunity for students to gain experience planning large scale events.

After chatting with the Principal I checked in with the Department of Justice. Victoria Cox with the DOJ says they do approve permits for charitable groups to run "Monte Carlo Nights" but she doesn't believe there's a correlation to gambling. She points to the plethora of gaming opportunities in Oregon (casinos and the lottery). She says if people want to gamble, they'll gamble but they come to these events to support a cause.

She adds that some charitable groups CAN get in trouble for running a Monte Carlo night without permission from the DOJ or having the proper permits. France insists his students are following DOJ requirements to the letter.

WHS' tournament is scheduled for next week.