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."

[cardcounter0]

Excellent. Sounds like there will be some soft games. Hope some one posts a trip report as to what they are spreading.

[The DaveR]

From the title I assumed that Bob Ross came back from the dead to open this and paint some happy little trees.

[aphoward]

Does anyone have any info on where this is, what kind of games it spreads, tournaments, etc? From a quick google, I don't see a website setup for it, which is disappointing. I make a few trips to Indy every couple months and this would be a good side trip instead of the usual Indy club I visit.

[hugheser]

I just saw it mentioned on Cardsquad but can't find anything out about it either. Please post if you know. What defines it as a poker 'club'? Do they charge admittance but no rake? Last I heard, this would all be considered illegal in Indiana.

[n1232]

aphoward...what clubs do you frequent...I travel to indy often and I didn't even know they had clubs.

[aphoward]

Well there was a big fiasco with one getting closed down on the west side of Indy a few weeks ago, but the one I go to is considered "private", so that supposedly makes it legal. I guess they have it worked out with the local authorities. You can PM me for info.

Anyways, I am still looking for info on McMahon's club.

[Gandor]

I will have to check this out when I go visit my family in a couple weeks. If anyone has info on this, I would appreciate it as well. A PM would be fine.

Thanks,

[IndyGuy]

I found another story in another local paper. Mostly the same stuff as above, but a couple new sentences. Apparently the club is downtown Muncie, as they quote the mayor as being supportive of the renovation.


[ QUOTE ]
McMahon, dressed in an overcoat, gloves and scarf, told some Johnny Carson anecdotes and helped Mayor Dan Canan cut the ribbon on the Royal Crown Hold ‘Em Club along Walnut Street.
...
Several people said they were impressed with the club, which featured 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,” said Joel Babcock, who said he would be playing poker. “It’s what it’s made for. It will keep me coming back.”

Kenneth Myers said he wasn’t a poker player, but said Clements and his partners did “a great job” with the renovation.

“It’s pretty classy,” Myers said.
...
Canan said he was glad the building was renovated.

“The investment in the building has certainly improved the downtown,” Canan said. “It’s continuing the belief that the downtown is worth investing in.”

Although several poker clubs operate locally, the Royal Crown club opened with more fanfare — including the ribbon-cutting and appearance by McMahon — than most, which have generally set up in available large open spaces.

[/ QUOTE ]

If anyone does go or manages to get more info, I'd appreciate hearing about it too. Either here or PM is fine. Thanks.

[winchips]

I would be interested in this as well, Please post or PM me. Also if anyone is familiar with some in the Fort Wayne area.