A West Virginia Lottery Commission official says a poker tournament scheduled tomorrow at Snowshoe Mountain Resort is illegal.



General counsel John Melton says the state's racetracks and businesses that have limited video gambling machines are the only facilities permitted to have gambling.

But Melton says it's up to Pocahontas County authorities to pursue the matter because the Lottery Commission doesn't have enforcement power.

Pocahontas County Prosecutor Walt Weiford says he will look into the touranment.

The tournament is sponsored by West Virginia Radio Corporation. It will feature 96 participants playing for a chance to participate in next year's World Series of Poker event in Las Vegas.

West Virginia Radio marketing manager Christian Miller says the tournament is a typical radio contest. He says no cash is being disbursed and there's no entry fee.

Snowshoe spokeswoman Laura Parquette declined comment.

Information from: The Intelligencer, http://www.theintelligencer.net

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