Celeb launches Muncie, Indiana, poker club (indystar.com)

[IndyGuy]

From the Indianapolis Star:

Celeb launches Muncie poker club

Associated Press

MUNCIE, Ind. -- Former "Tonight Show" announcer Ed McMahon helped open a new poker club in a renovated downtown building.

McMahon, who was Johnny Carson's longtime sidekick, joined Mayor Dan Canan in cutting the ribbon Tuesday night on the Royal Crown Hold 'Em Club, which was opening to the public today.

McMahon told some Carson anecdotes, met with fans as he signed copies of his book, "Here's Johnny," and planned to play a round of poker. He also recalled spending time on the road with his father as a child.

"By the time I was four, I was in 40 states, so I probably traveled through Muncie," he said.

Several of those attending the opening said they were impressed with the club, which has dark purple walls with red and yellow trim. The main floor and a mezzanine area were filled with oval poker tables.

"This just looks professional," Joel Babcock said. "It's what it's made for. It will keep me coming back."

The city already has several other poker clubs, but they are generally set up in available large open spaces. The Royal Crown club also opened with more fanfare, looking to take advantage of the popularity of Texas Hold 'Em poker games.

The legality of the games have been challenged, but since the Royal Crown club is neither a bingo hall nor a bar it does not have a charity gaming permit or liquor license at risk.

Delaware County Prosecutor Richard Reed has said he considers poker a game of skill and not luck and that he would be unlikely to pursue any criminal charges against those gambling on the game.

Ryan Clements, one of the club's owners, said he was pleased with opening night's crowd.

"We'll have over 100 people here for the game," he said. "I'm very excited by the turnout."