Poker catches on at Lawrence bars

By By Caleb Regan (Contact)

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

Local bars have found a new way to fill their stools. Poker tournaments are attracting customers to local establishments, and not just for the prizes.

There is no money involved, but according to Tom Conroy, owner of Conroy’s Pub, that doesn’t slow people down from participating in the games.

“It’s mostly the same crowd every time, so people aren’t even necessarily playing to win the prizes. They play to hang out with friends,” Conroy said.

Conroy’s Pub, 3115 West Sixth, and other bars in town now host tournaments on a regular basis. They go through Poker Pub Inc., a Lawrence-based company that puts on tournaments in Lawrence, Kansas City, St. Louis and in other cities. There are no cash winnings, but prizes are given to winners.

The tournaments originally began with tournaments at the Pool Room Ball and Billiards, 925 Iowa St., and Conroy’s. Conroy said his place was too small to be that busy.

“It was overwhelming in the beginning. We almost couldn’t keep up,” Conroy said.

Since that time the Flamingo Club, 501 N. Ninth, Holiday Inn Holidome, 200 McDonald Dr.,, the Meat Market, 811 New Hampshire, and Liquid Night Club, 806 W. 24th St., have all anteed up on the action. But that hasn’t affected Conroy’s business.

“The crowds are still big, nearly three times a normal night’s crowd. But the following is extremely loyal. It’s the same people, the same friends every time,” he said.

Poker Pub began in February 2004 through the work of Leo Magsalin. Andy Sharp, director of marketing, said although the company has done well that that was not the sole end Magsalin was aiming for.

“Leo started all this for the players’ enjoyment,” Sharp said. “In a year and a half, we’ve done pretty well but it all started as a way to provide entertainment to people who like to play poker. And you know what? Everyone loves it; bars, players, and ourselves, we’re glad to be able to do it.”

In a state like Kansas, Poker Pub provides that entertainment they mentioned to people who would otherwise not get the opportunity to play poker in a pub setting.

And if you win, you don’t come away empty-handed. Prizes include chip sets, hand-held poker games, and even the occasional trip to Las Vegas.

— Edited by Erin M. Droste

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