AJG wrote:Garth Kay wrote:... The current environment in the SA market place in regards to cash buy in events is proving to be a challenge. ...
How, so?
There are (non-casino) buyin events every night of the week here in SA.
As long as you don't charge rake or entry fees, all is legal.
Not long ago SkyCity Casino went to court to try to get some of these venues shutdown, but the courts ruled against them.
2 weeks ago one venue even held a $550 buyin event 'hosted' by (basically named after) Stewart Scott (Winner of the 2009 Aussie Millions) who actually played in it. And they ran a step sytstem of satellites into it over the previous weeks. This same venue has monthly satellites TO the Aussie Millions as well, but I cant remember the buyin for them...
You are incorrect in some of your assumptions.
The OLGC has ruled that regular buy in tournaments are in breach of the gaming legislation. The LEB on the other hand believe the legislation to be archaic and will not impose any penalties on venues for such a game.
Venues were sent a scare letter from the OLGC that has been very effective in scaring a few venues off.
SkyCity did not go to court, at any time in relation to this matter. They have sought advice from the OLGC as to whether their poker licence entitles them to be the only entity to operate cash buy in poker tournaments in the state of South Australia. The OLGC launched there scare letter in response to SkyCity's submission. A formal response has not yet been issued.
I am aware of the venue you speak of and the type of buy in events they are hosting quite regularly. I am also aware of certain govenrment bodies that want these games to cease. Buy in's of this size should, in my opinion, be strictly the domain of casinos, especially if ran on a regular basis. These types of game will force the government to change their legislation and the LEB may be forced to act as some sources have told us they do not want to see large buy in events with punters handing over substantial sums of money to participate. These types of events are slightly detrimental to the pub poker fraternity and industry.
I have no issue with three figure buy ins held at once per month, but on a regular basis it does bring unfair scrutiny from public departments and community social welfare groups. To the misinformed public hearing of a game of this magnitude inspires image of seedy, shady games with degenerates or criminals partaking in them.