On the final session of the four-day
opening round of the World Series of Poker main event, Internet poker
was given a brief moment in the spotlight.

Former U.S. Sen.
Alfonse D’Amato, who now heads a nonprofit organization attempting to
legalize online poker, called out the traditional “shuffle up and deal”
to kick off play Monday.

Meanwhile, Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla.,
who has introduced legislation that would exempt poker from the
Internet gambling ban passed by Congress last year, made an appearance
inside the Rio’s World Series of Poker tournament room, receiving a
warm reception from both players and spectators.

Despite the
absence of Internet poker-backed players from this year’s event, the
World Series of Poker still had a respectable turnout for the $10,000
buy-in, no-limit Texas hold’em world championship event.

Recovered from the Poker Players Alliance archive index. This is the archived item as preserved.