Televised poker shows are becoming the next big thing.  Thanks to the likes of FOX Sports, they will be populating the airwaves much more often in the coming year.  FOX Sports just recently wrapped shooting a poker tournament at Bodog founder, Calvin Ayre's mansion in Costa Rica, and is now planning to build a television broadcast studio at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas.  However, now that the project may need a gaming license, the fate of the studio is not certain.

FOX Sports Net originally proposed to the Las Vegas Gaming Control Board that they wanted to shoot a "poker-based game show".  Everything looked great, Mayor Goodman openly supported the plan, and the Board gave FOX the green light.  However, now that information has surfaced that FOX will be shooting a "poker tournament", the Gaming Board thinks they may need to apply for a non-restricted gaming license.

According to Board Member, Mark Clayton, they were not told that any poker games were going to be played.  If that was to be the case - since poker is considered a gambling game - FOX would have to apply for a non-restricted gaming license.  And in order for such a license to be granted, FOX would also have to build a hotel with a minimum of 200 rooms, a fixed bar with permanent seating, a full-sized restaurant and a casino open every day of the year.

A spokesperson for FOX Sports Net said they did not lead the Gaming Board into thinking anything other than they would be shooting a poker game show.  According to FOX, poker games are being played in a game show format, with no money being wagered.  The players are competing for a prize, which in essence, follows the format of game shows. Although the "prize" has not yet been determined, it is highly suspected it will be for a large cash jackpot.

FOX is planning to shoot the first game on May 20, with an televised date the very next day.  They have already begun converting three theatre spaces at Neonopolis (which is a large retail structure) into the television studio and audience arena.  However, if the Gaming Board sees fit that FOX apply for a non-restricted gaming license, it is highly probable the show will be aborted.