In some sports the splitting of genders is just obvious. It would be quite a strange sight to see a 250-pound raging bull of a quarterback tackle a terrified young girl. In poker however the distinction is not so obvious, and while there still are special women-only events their existence is questionable.
No Limit Texas Hold'em
This is what the casino staff at the Atlantic City Borgata found out last weekend when a group of men decided to enter the Ladies No Limit Texas Hold'em Event. By means of a legal loophole regarding the US Non-discrimination Act, the staff was forced to provide these men a chip and a chair despite their racial handicap.
PokerStars - HHPT
This course of events gives rise to consideration on whether or not events like the High Heels Poker Tour (HHPT) will be spared from 'discriminated' male players. PokerStars recently became the official sponsor of the HHPT, planning to host a series of live events at various top locations throughout the world
Most striking about the situation in Atlantic City tournament however, was the fact that one of the men who entered the tournament went home a winner. It was 65-year-old Abraham Kortoki who beat second-place finisher Nicole Rowe in a heads-up battle and cashed in a juicy $20,982.
'A True Gentleman'
Rowe was not amused to say the least, and demanded Kortoki to split the winnings. Abraham Kortoki didn't comply with this request, but proved himself a 'gentleman' by promising to donate a portion of his winnings to a breast cancer charity.
We wonder how PokerStars will tackle this issue might something similar happen at the HHPT. Hell, as long as the man doesn't wear high heels they have a reason to reject him.
