Attorney David Richer is laying his cards on the table.

He said his client plans to proceed with its Jan. 7 poker tournament at the Chez Paree.

The director of the Department of Inspections and Appeals is not revealing his hand. Through spokesperson Mary Olson, Young indicated the department will "closely monitor the situation and take appropriate regulatory actions, including appropriate referrals to state and county officials."

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The Chez Paree's planned Texas-style tournament resulted in a fax frenzy between Young and Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber.

Wilber is playing his hand close to the vest, saying he is glad the fax machines are getting a rest.

The controversy arose when Wilber said he would not attempt to stop the tournament, which he sees as permissible under Iowa law. His stance is at odds with Young's office, which said the planned tournament violates the Iowa's gambling ordinance.

Wilber said as long as the tourney is held as advertised - where entrants pay a one-time entry fee and prizes are awarded - he does not intend to stop it. Wilber said he believes the Legislature needs to close a loophole in the law he sees as making the proposed poker game legal.

In a letter to Wilber, Young said there is no such loophole and his office has the authority to institute an action blocking the tournament.

Source: Daily Nonpareil