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The Atlantic Lottery Corporation has banned poker nights in bars across Prince Edward Island.
The corporation has told bar owners that if they continue to host Texas hold 'em tournaments, they could lose their VLTs. Bar owners are angry, but feel they have no choice but to submit.
"We don't like it," Ron Gallant, manager of the Royal Canadian Legion in Charlottetown, told CBC News Wednesday.
"They pretty well told bars and legions, and what I understand, that if you want to keep your VLT machines, any poker tournaments, Texas hold 'em especially, are not allowed."
Texas hold 'em tournaments have become very popular on the Island. Friday night tournaments at the legion attracted about 40 players. Before the new rules from Atlantic Lotto, games were available in bars virtually any night of the week.
Not worth risk, say bar owners
Atlantic Lotto spokeswoman Jennifer Dalton said while the corporation has set the new rules, it will be up to the province to enforce them.
"We wouldn't enforce; it's not within our jurisdiction. So that's something we would work with provincial jurisdiction on," said Dalton.
All of the bar owners reached by CBC News said they won't risk having their VLTs pulled so they've all cancelled their tournaments.
That leaves the Red Shores Casinos in Charlottetown and Summerside as the only places left to find a game of Texas hold 'em.
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