October 30, 2004
KNOXVILLE (AP) -- A fraternity at the University of Tennessee says it plans to hold its poker tournament for the chapter's philanthropy despite indications from a state official the tournament constitutes illegal gambling.
The Pi Kappa Phi fraternity says the money they raise goes to the PUSH America foundation with help from Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 World Series of Poker champion.
Moneymaker is a former member of the UT chapter of Pi Kappa Phi.
Pi Kappa Phi spokesman Steve Evans says he believes its OK because no one actually plays with money on the table.
Players don't "buy in", they simply pay a registration fee. Entrants get a T-shirt, while prizes for top winners include a 32-inch television, an Xbox video game system and a digital camera.
But the director of charitable solicitations for the Tennessee Secretary of State said the tournament is an "unlawful event" -- even the way it is set up.
Evans says they are going ahead with the tournament scheduled for Saturday.
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