On Saturday, poker legend Chris Moneymaker celebrated the grand opening of Moneymaker Social Louisville. This is his second attempt to establish a poker room in Kentucky. The new facility is situated just 20 minutes from the University of Louisville, competing with another local poker room.
Moneymaker, who won the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, previously opened a poker room in Paducah in 2022. However, local authorities shut it down by early 2023, threatening legal action against the business. Undeterred, Moneymaker is now optimistic about his Louisville venture.
Moneymaker Social operates as a membership club, akin to poker rooms in Texas. Due to Kentucky’s stringent gambling laws, these clubs charge membership fees rather than collecting rake. Players pay $80 per month or $10 per day for entry, plus a seat fee of $7 per half hour. Russell, the poker room manager, is confident this time will be different. “We have extensively done research,” said Russell. “The District Attorney is excited to have us here.”
Building Community Support
Unlike Paducah, where local officials opposed the poker room, Louisville authorities seem more welcoming. This support bodes well for Moneymaker’s new venture. Additionally, he plans to expand by opening another poker room in Lexington.
Moneymaker Social Louisville features eight tables, with the potential to add more if tournaments like the Moneymaker Tour are introduced. During the opening on Saturday, six tables were active, offering games such as $1/$3 No-Limit Hold ’em and $5/$5 Pot-Limit Omaha.
Moneymaker’s vision for poker in Kentucky is clear. With local support and careful planning, Moneymaker Social Louisville aims to become a prominent poker destination in the region.
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