Poker, for good or evil, wins young fans
The same name kept popping up in conversations. "Talk to Jason," they would say. "He's the best."
That would be Jason Modar. College student. Pizza delivery guy. Dedicated boyfriend. Christian. Gambler ...
There you come to a screeching halt. Did you say Christian? Gambler?
Ky Dally did. A senior at Vacaville's Will C. Wood High School, he gathers once a week, either on Friday or Saturday night, with about 10 young men to play poker. Usually Texas Hold'em.
And Modar is the star.
Modar's a relative novice to the game, like most of his friends. He started playing in February after watching a rerun of ESPN's broadcast of the "World Series of Poker" from Las Vegas. He wasn't the only one watching.
Ask any of his playing partners if they know who Chris Moneymaker is, and they will tell he's the 2003 World Series of Poker champion. They will also tell you what his winning hand was - a full house.
Poker, Texas Hold'em particularly, is hot among teens and young male adults. So hot that many teens play weekly tournaments. And usually, cash betting is part of the game.
Bed Bath & Beyond recently dedicated the first four pages of an advertising supplement to gambling gifts, mainly for poker players. It isn't the only retail store cashing in on the craze. Most of the teens playing poker own their own poker tables, professional chips and cards. Your own Poker Room? Click here.

More:thereporter.com
By Greg Trott/Features Writer