The National Pub Poker League (NPPL) had operated in Oamaru about five years ago and NPPL South Island regional manager Hanne Quinn said she was confident there was still a big demand for the game in the town.
Mrs Quinn said at the end of a 13-week season, event winners and the top eight points leaders would qualify for a regional final, and the top 32 regional players would enter the national final, with a prize of a trip to Las Vegas and the possibility of playing a World Series of Poker game or other Las Vegas competition, depending on the timing of the trip.
''At the regional final, we pay cash out on the day, and the national final, because it is big prize money, the winner can either chose a $10,000 package to Las Vegas, or they can substitute for $8000 cash.''
''We would like to see them put it towards a World Series of Poker event, but that is only played once throughout the year.
''We have seen some really awesome poker players come out of our little pub poker league, so they are definitely more than capable, that's for sure.''
The first event would take place at the Sports Central Brewhouse on August 7.
Sports Central Brewhouse operations manager Justin Ludlow said there was a recognised ''poker following'' in Oamaru and the National Poker League was ''pretty keen'' to have a venue in the town.
Although he admitted he was ''a bit of a novice'' when it came to the game, he was ''very excited'' about seeing the NPPL in Oamaru.
''Obviously, it's not gambling. You're playing for pub vouchers and merchandise. It's a registration-based thing.''
