On March 19th, 2014, an editorial piece called “Poker pros: Test gambling sites for cheating” ran in the Press of Atlantic City. The article was supposedly co-written by Bill Byers and Dewey Tomko, and it raises concerns over how vulnerable US online poker could be to cheating. The closing paragraphs reveal that Byers and Tomko want to stress-test the New Jersey online poker market to ensure it’s safe – thus leading some people to speculate that this duo is merely angling for a high-paying job.
That said, many people in the poker community were disappointed with Tomko since he’s a three-time WSOP champ and Poker Hall of Fame member. Basically, everybody wanted to know why a legend would taint online poker to a New Jersey market that’s full of potential recreational players. And the answer: Tomko says that he didn’t have anything to do with this.
Nolan Dalla Calls Tomko and gets to the Bottom of the Story
Poker Night in America creative director and journalist Nolan Dalla thought something was fishy about the article from day one. He’s friends with Tomko and knows that he doesn’t write editorials nor does he play online poker. So Dalla called up his good friend and asked him about the Press of Atlantic City story.
After talking with Tomko, Dalla learned that he didn’t even know about the article, hasn’t talked to Byers in 10 years, and was never asked for permission to put his name on the editorial. And when it comes to online poker, Tomko is truly in the dark as he told Dalla…
I have no association whatsoever to anything to do with that. I don’t play online poker. I’ve never played online poker before. Not even once. I don’t know anything about it. Why would I say something on something I know nothing about? I don’t do that.
I’m totally in favor of online poker. I haven’t played it. But I know it’s good for poker. I can’t really comment at all about security because I’m not qualified in that area. How could I be?
So What is the Truth About the Dewey Tomko Article?
Dalla presents some good points that indicate somebody used Tomko’s name to establish credibility for the article. Furthermore, he suggests that Byers and James Thackston, “a seedy marketer” and writer for TheHill.com, have something to do with the foul play. Dalla finishes by adding that the Press of Atlantic City should apologize to Tomko.
If previous poker scandals have taught us anything, it’s that we can’t be sure about the truth until ALL of the facts are in. So it’s hard to rule anything out with regard to whether or not Tomko had anything to do with the story. But on the other hand, it really seems like Dalla has done his homework on a subject that other journalists didn’t consider challenging. Sure, it helps that Dalla knows Tomko personally. However, he’s the one who made the phone call that might’ve saved the reputation of a Poker HOF member.