06:47 AM PST on Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Associated Press

SALEM -- The Oregon House has approved a bill that would allow Texas Hold 'Em, the poker game that has become a national phenomenon, to be played at charitable "casino nights."

Under current law, the only games allowed are those in which players are betting against the house, such as craps or blackjack. House Bill 231l would change that to allow games where players bet against one another.

The measure, passed Monday on a 56-1 vote, now goes to the Senate.

In Texas Hold 'Em, players receive two cards each, then combine them with five face-up community cards to make the best poker hand. Bets are placed between the revealing of the community cards.

The game gained a rabid following on cable television and has spread to homes, casinos and the Internet.

"The interest in Texas Hold 'Em is just unbelievable," said Rick Walker, owner of Wild Bill's Interactive Events, which sets up casino nights as charity fund-raisers. "We've never seen anything like this before."

Walker said he's been besieged by charity officials who think a flotilla of poker tables would be just the thing to perk up their casino events, which involve prizes but no real money.

Walker said the traditional casino-night offerings attract people interested in the charity. He said hold 'em players are often on the prowl for games where they can hone their skills for the price of admission.