The new face of poker in Tampa

Poker in Tampa? Really? Could it even be worth talking about? Thanks to recent Main Event runner up, John Racener, Tampa is more official than ever when it comes to poker.

Many years ago this was definitely not the case. All you could find were 1/2 limit games and $65 tournaments. It was passable as "entertainment", but not really anything you thought you could make money at.

Then came the intermediate period where they allowed NL games at Tampa horse and dog tracks and also the Hard Rock, the only rub was the $100MAX. That's right folks ... lose all the money you want, but you have to do it $100 at a time. There were routinely games at the Hard Rock that were 5/10 where I guess people would just push over and over again to flood the table with money. Sounds awful to me.

Finally, in 2010, a pact was signed that allowed for uncapped pots and tournament buy ins. All the Tampa locals cheered (and continue to), and there is even decent traffic in Tampa venues from Orlando-ites. Finding a 5/10 game is pretty easy, but much higher than that and it's still tough. Hard Rock runs a 5/10/20 game on occasion and it's also been seen at Silks (at the Tampa Bay Downs).

Most cardrooms have done some recent remodeling and look great. Derby Lane in St. Pete has a very nice, open feel with nice finishes. Silks card room in Tampa just got some new felt, some new chairs and is definitely a handsome place to frequent. The Tampa Hard Rock recently relocated its room although the only improvement is how difficult it is to see the waiting list. Despite being one of the least comfortable rooms, it provides the best action and the most games, for the most part.

There are also rumors that the WSOP or WPT may come to Tampa as well. Discussed is the idea that every other year the Seminole Hard Rock properties will swap rights to a WPT tournament. There is an event scheduled for mid-late November 2011 for a WPT event in Hollywood FL, so by the rumor it would be in Tampa in 2012. I also wouldn't leave out the possibility of the WSOP having a circuit event in Tampa. The draw would be there, just not sure if the room could handle the traffic.

Things continue to heat up in Tampa's poker scene - we at AngryJacks can't wait to see what else the future holds. Maybe Lucky's will be able to move their parimutuel license soon. /fingerscrossed