Canterbury Park this fall will host a Minnesota Poker Hall of Fame, honoring key figures in a game that has been played in the state since the 19th century but was legalized only in 1999.
The Shakopee racetrack and card casino said the first induction ceremony is to be held Oct. 4.
The aim is to honor successful poker players and others who have "played a key role in the development of poker in the state," according to an announcement from the track.
The institution will be run by a board made up of industry professionals, poker players and members of the media, the announcement said.
The game officially became legitimate when legislators authorized it at the end of the last century. The Canterbury Park Card Casino opened in 2000, and today the game can be played at a variety of sites around the state.
There is a national Poker Hall of Fame for professional poker in Las Vegas, which dates to 1979 and includes scores of members.
David Peterson
dapeterson@startribune.com
