March 30: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

WORLD TAVERN TO OPEN REAL MONEY POKER ROOM

 

By now you probably know this was one of the funniest April Fools jokes....but it is still a funny read.  Enjoy!

 

 

After months of speculation and negotiation, World Tavern Entertainment announces the details of the World Tavern Poker Room & Slot Parlor in Caddo Valley, Arkansas.

 

World Tavern Poker is America’s #1 Bar Poker League with more than 350 venues in 20 states across the country and more than 190,000 registered poker players.

 

“We are so incredibly excited about this opportunity.  Not only for us, but for our players” said Mike Matsinger, founder of World Tavern Entertainment.  “For years we have literally fought with Casinos to host our World Tavern Poker OPEN events, and now we can have our own location, right here in the center of the country that will provide easy access to all of our venues and players”.

 

The World Tavern Poker OPEN is a twice annual event that promises Great Poker, Great Parties and Great People.  

 

World Tavern signed the papers late on Monday March 30th to purchase the Super 8 motel which includes 112 rooms, a small pool & hot tub, ice machine and basic cable television.  And while the property needs a tremendous remodel, Mr. Matsinger is confident the World Tavern Players will step up and lend a hand in a sort of “habitat for poker” style.

 

“Our players are skilled in so many areas and we are planning a summer renovation party where players will be offered free rooms and breakfast in exchange for painting, drywall, plumbing and other work.”

 

Recently we sat down with Matsinger to ask him about his vision for this new venture.

 

 

What motivated you to get into real money gaming?

 

Each year we watch poker room after poker room go into decline.  And while many of these casinos make excuses about new competition, the reality is that they just aren’t very good at providing poker players a great experience.  Last year our very own Hollie Watts was incessant that ‘we can do it better’ and pushed me to explore all options.

 

 

So why did you choose Caddo Valley, Arkansas?

 

It makes sense on so many levels.  First it is almost smack dab in the center of the country allowing all of our players the shortest trip possible to get to our events.  Plus we are merging with 7 other poker leagues throughout the US.

 

 

Is it true that Clark County Arkansas is a dry county?

 

Yes, that was definitely one of the down falls.  Obviously our players like to drink and party…but in the end we felt that having our own property outweighed the need for alcohol.  We are very close to an agreement  with the Clark County Commissioners to allow guests to BYOB with the maximum of 72 ozs of beer per week and 36 ozs of liquor not to exceed 80 proof.  

 

 

And what about the rumor of a gentlemen’s club on site?

 

As we considered the restrictions on alcohol in the county, we searched for other forms of entertainment and realized that while there are no gentlemen’s clubs in Clark County, it is legal provided that the venue closes by 9pm.  We plan on naming the club “Top Pair” and will have our own players be the dancers during our events.

 

 

Can you tell us a little bit about the size of the poker room?

 

Again another challenge.  Originally the county was only going to allow 6 poker tables.  But after we agreed to an increase in our annual property tax, they approved 12 in 2016 and adding 2 tables per year with a maximum of 18.  We know it’s a little small for what we want, but we are committed to making this work.

 

 

Will the property be open all year?  And if so, who will run it?

 

Yes, the World Tavern Poker Room and Top Pair Gentlemen’s Club will be a 365 day a year property.  We are excited to announce that our own John Owens has agreed to take on the Casino Manager position while Hollie Watts will manage the Hotel and Top Pair Club.  We will also be posting a full list of employment opportunities for any of our players who are interested in relocating.

 

 

Will you be moving onto the property?

 

No.  I love North Carolina and see no reason to uproot my family and take them to Arkansas. I have complete faith in our team in running the operation. I will however do my best to attend most of the OPENS.

 

 

How do you think your players will react to the news?

 

Without question, they will love it. This will be THEIR place!  In fact during the renovation party, any player who comes to work the week will have the opportunity to write their name in the new cement structure we are adding under the garbage dispensers. Their names will be part of this property for the rest of their life.  It’s pretty awesome.