CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center had its first charity poker games on Monday, a test run before opening to the general public later this week.

Visitors to the fledgling casino in Nitro were greeted by scantily clad women with Mardi Gras beads, guys in jester garb and music from six jazz bands, all promoting the opening of table gaming at the racetrack.

"We went all out," said table games manager Rich Tesler. "It's for charity. We want to put on a good show for the public."

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Chris Dorst

Monday, Aug. 18, 2008 - Poker dealer Chris Spurlock passes chips in the first winning poker hand at Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center. Daniel Todd (left) and sisters Moll and Rena Seidler, all of Charleston, were in on the charity game to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cancer association.

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"We're reviewing all the camera angles back in the security room," said Dean Patrick, deputy director of table games for the Lottery Commission. "We're monitoring all the money routes. We're evaluating the dealers to make sure the games are being played the way they're supposed to be played."

Poker tables were open for charity games to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cancer association on Monday, and are scheduled to be open to benefit the March of Dimes today.

If all goes well, Tri-State will open its poker tables to the public at 7 p.m. Thursday. Patrick said that will give track owners all day Wednesday and most of the day Thursday to make any corrections lottery officials deem necessary.

Charlie Myers, a retired traffic engineer for the city of Charleston, was in one of the first poker games Monday. Myers said he has been coming to Tri-State since the facility opened in the 1980s.

"I usually bet the dogs, then after the dogs I play the [slot] machines," he said. Like other patrons at Tri-State, he said he was looking forward to the opening of table games at the track.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center had its first charity poker games on Monday, a test run before opening to the general public later this week.

Visitors to the fledgling casino in Nitro were greeted by scantily clad women with Mardi Gras beads, guys in jester garb and music from six jazz bands, all promoting the opening of table gaming at the racetrack.

"We went all out," said table games manager Rich Tesler. "It's for charity. We want to put on a good show for the public."

According to state Lottery Commission regulations, Tri-State had to have a dry run for new poker dealers so state officials could make sure table games are running properly at the facility.

"We're reviewing all the camera angles back in the security room," said Dean Patrick, deputy director of table games for the Lottery Commission. "We're monitoring all the money routes. We're evaluating the dealers to make sure the games are being played the way they're supposed to be played."

Poker tables were open for charity games to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cancer association on Monday, and are scheduled to be open to benefit the March of Dimes today.

If all goes well, Tri-State will open its poker tables to the public at 7 p.m. Thursday. Patrick said that will give track owners all day Wednesday and most of the day Thursday to make any corrections lottery officials deem necessary.

Charlie Myers, a retired traffic engineer for the city of Charleston, was in one of the first poker games Monday. Myers said he has been coming to Tri-State since the facility opened in the 1980s.

"I usually bet the dogs, then after the dogs I play the [slot] machines," he said. Like other patrons at Tri-State, he said he was looking forward to the opening of table games at the track.

Myers volunteered to take part in Monday's charity game. "I give to the cancer association all the time," he said.

Track owners had 24 poker tables set up, putting recently hired poker dealers to work. J. Anna, who recently took a job in West Virginia to be closer to her family in Pennsylvania, said she was impressed with the staff at Tri-State.

"The West Virginia Lottery is very easy to work with, very friendly, but very thorough," said Anna, who has 14 years experience as a poker dealer.

"I think [table gaming] is going to be a good thing," she said. "I think Tri-State is well-located, and the competition is not there. I think it's going to be very successful."

"I think it's a great thing," agreed Lindsey Myers, who has worked as a cocktail waitress at Tri-State for about eight months. Myers grew up in Charleston, but recently moved to Cross Lanes.

Myers said she has seen visits to Tri-State increase in recent months as the track gears up for casino-style table gaming.

"A lot of people aren't used to change," she said, "but if it brings more jobs to West Virginia, why not give it a chance?"

Reach Rusty Marks at rustyma...@wvgazette.com">rustyma...@wvgazette.com or 348-1215.