Getting ready to play poker and blackjack in Oklahoma

Tuesday, January 18th 2005, 5:50 am

By: News On 6

What's in the cards at Cherokee Casino in Catoosa? State Question 712 opened the door for poker and blackjack once again in Oklahoma. Final approval is expected on either Friday or Monday.

Dealers are busy training at the casino this week and then they'll have Texas Hold 'Em, Blackjack, and a Chinese Poker game called Pai Gow. The casino says the addition of card games will give visitors a more complete gaming experience.

People were lined up just to watch the dealers practice Monday. They can't wait to get the real deal. Casino visitor Floyd Scott: "If I'm gonna lose my money; I'd rather lose it in a card game than on a slot machine. (laughs) Sorta gets boring, just pulling down a handle. This way at least you get to strategize a little bit and do your game."

For the first time, the casino will have no-limit betting on the poker games. With blackjack, there will be a high-stakes room where the minimum bet is $100.