High On Poker

So, by now you know I am completely geeking out about the addition of live poker to Pennsylvania, and specifically to the Bethlehem Sands, a mere 90 minutes from New York City. A couple of days ago when I resigned myself to online poker, I decided on a  whim to check out the Bethlehem Sand‘s website, only to learn that their projected table game start date is July 18th. Eureka!

Even though I reported on the new law months ago, its pretty wild that the reality is right around the corner. I sent out a text to three of my home poker crew, Roose, Ruff and bro-in-law Marc, and essentially confirmed with Marc that we would make a trip to Bethlehem on Saturday, July 31, to see what’s happening. Roose had to pass because of other plans. Ruff, however, brought up a good point, albeit one I would’ve rather ignored. You see, with only 12 poker tables in Bethlehem, the Bethlehem Sands may be a bit crowded.

One thing Jordan doesn’t do well is wait. I try to be a patient man, but I would be heartbroken to arrive in Bethlehem only to learn of a 3 hour wait. It’s a possibility too, given the proximity to NYC and the huge pool of players who will be venturing out to try the new rooms, particularly in their first few weeks.

All I can do is cross my fingers, wait for the actual opening, and see what the reviews have to say. My plan was to travel by bus ($28 roundtrip, with a $30 slot voucher), but that’d force me to play only at the Bethlehem Sands. If I rent a car, however, I may be able to check out some of the other poker rooms in the area (area meaning, within an hour of Bethlehem).

Time will tell whether Bethlehem is really the holy land I want it to be. In the meanwhile, I will block out the nay sayers and cross my fingers. If it means having to travel to Bethlehem in the middle of the night to avoid crowds, then so be it. One way or another, I’m getting my poker!

On an unrelated note, thanks to the fellow bloggers who offered to help me self-harm by depositing poker money online. I got it taken care of thanks to CK and the degens who are in Vegas for the WSOP. I guess it isn’t too surprising that some of the Vegas degens would be happy to have a quick cash transfer in exchange for PokerStars money. Here’s hoping that when the time comes, I’ll be able to get my money off of Stars.

Until next time, make mine poker!