KELOLAND.COM: News for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa

KELOLAND.COM: News for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa by Andy Harvey for KELOLAND TV Deadwood isn't bluffing about wanting to attract visitors and figures poker can be a big part of it. In fact, the gaming town now wants to ante-up to win a spot on the world poker tournament's map. Move over slot machines, there's a new game in town. Deadwood Gaming Association President Mike Rodman said, "There's a lot of people who come here just for the thrill of playing poker in Deadwood." It's a game of precision that's increasing in popularity. Poker Dealer Joe Russell said, "A lot of them now have seen poker on tv. A lot of them play online." Now, Deadwood gaming officials are interested in a piece of the pot. Rodman said, "We've had interest from some of the larger poker tournaments that go on around the country coming here to Deadwood." But in order to get those tournaments, gaming officials want to charge participants more than $100.00 to enter. While there are no laws regarding entry fees, one does set a $100.00 bet limit in town. So the Deadwood Gaming Association went to the state for permission. Rodman said, "And so what we want to clarify is that we can charge a higher entry fee than a $100.00 for a tournament and have bigger jackpots and bigger prizes by doing that." Poker may be the fastest growing game in Deadwood, but slot machines reign supreme by bringing in the most cash. But if the state deals a good hand by allowing higher entry fees, poker could become the game of choice and revenue. The state gaming commission plans to hold a hearing in June on possibly increasing poker tournament entry fees.