A poker player unknowingly acquires a royal flush, receiving a $192K prize.
A poker player in Chile recently hit a royal flush in Texas Hold'em, a card game with a 639,739:1 odds, almost like winning a lottery. The odds are so low that even serious players may never experience it in their lifetime. However, that changed for this player who happened to be visiting Monticello casino near Santiago with his wife.
While they were at the casino, he sat down to play a game that already had three players. His wife decided to head to the slot machines, leaving him to play. After a while, the game turned in his favor. When his third hand came around, he noticed an acquaintance from his hometown in southern Chile at the casino. They exchanged pleasantries, oblivious to the fact that his life was about to change.
During the hand, the dealer dealt the flop, turn, and river that completed his royal flush. The player went on talking with his friend when he realized that his cards were special. He turned them over in shock, not believing what he saw. The table erupted in cheers, not only for the player's luck but also due to a casino promo that offered a grand prize for hitting a royal flush.
The player was nonchalant about his victory, stating he's usually not an outburst type of guy. But he did share his good fortune with others. He walked his wife over to the table where the other players and staff were still waiting, finally convincing her of his luck. Once she saw the other players congratulating him, she believed him.
He then divided his winnings of CLP150 million (US$192,000) by sharing CLP1 million (US$1,260) with each player at the table and tipping the casino staff CLP2 million (US$2,520).
In another part of the world, there was also some good fortune in Texas. Players at the Watauga Social Lounge Poker Club, who were arrested by police last year, will not face charges. This followed a court order that dismissed the case against the club and its employees.
The police raided the club last year after a local district attorney (DA) initiated it, unaware of state laws which permit organized poker as long as the house doesn't take a rake. However, social poker rooms often have to operate based on a membership model to survive.
Several challenges to the method have been brought up previously, but most have been dismissed. The issue persists as some prosecutors and DAs are seemingly still oblivious to the law. Now that the charges have been dismissed, the 46 individuals will get back the $360 they each paid as a fine. The fate of the $200,000 seized from the raid is still unknown, and they plan to fight to get it back too.
One of the individuals arrested, Steve Nichols, hoped for a jury trial. He was relieved when the DA's office dropped the case, declaring it a "victory”. He has now released the remaining $360 that was taken from him.
Read also:
- Remaining contenders down to two in DFB's struggle versus Brazil.
- Law enforcement agencies in various metropolises plan expansive measures for May 1.
- Berlin Transport Senator Schreiner Steps Down over Doctorate Issues
- The Next Development in the DAZN/DFL Billion Euro Controversy
Source: www.casino.org
