Poker Raises Big Money for Charity

With all the debate going on in the US about online poker and its legality, poker continues to be one of the most popular methods for charity fundraising.

Laws loosened for charity tournaments

Many states relax their gambling laws for fund raising events, with Florida law allowing money to be raised through poker, although games that include a buy-in charge and prizes must be held at Indian casinos, horse tracks or other gaming facilities authorized to host poker tourneys.

However, as media in the state have pointed out, many Florida charities hold poker tournaments at fancy hotels and private mansions, which helps them to raise lots of money for worthy causes.

Poker keeps on giving

Poker is the sport that keeps on giving, as the annual Raise Your Hand for Africa event shows. The tournament, which will next be held on February 18 and 19 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, will benefit the Starkey Hearing Foundation and will be hosted by poker pro Phil Hellmuth and NFL stars Adrian Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald.

Tournament ideas continue to become more innovative as charities compete for attention. Last week the Taking It Off For Charity poker tournament was held in Florida, in which dozens of participants played strip poker (only down to their bathing suits) in support of St. Francis House and Goodwill Industries International.