Japan and Poker

Poker players and online poker rooms are known for their generosity to those in need. And the situation in Japan has brought out that generous and philanthropic spirit again.

Zynga, which is gearing up for its first poker convention this weekend, announced this week that it raised $1 million in 36 hours through its Facebook poker game. Zynga is partnering with Save the Children and is asking players to donate money to Japan earthquake relief efforts by buying virtual goods on its game sites.

Some poker pros are also getting into the act. Many were literally stopped in their playing tracks last week when news of the earthquake hit the airwaves. Play at The Big Event in Los Angeles came to a stop as players turned their attention to the televisions to watch coverage of the devastation.

Ultimate Bet pro Maria Ho made a promise via her Twitter page that she would give away her weekly $300 buy-in to the $50,000 guaranteed tournament at UB.com to the first person who sent her a picture proving they made a $10 donation to the Red Cross.

Another poker player, Justin “BoostedJ” Smith, promised he would donate $1 for every retweet of his Red Cross text. The response to his original Twitter message was so great, his account was overloaded.