Our Story

Ever wonder what makes us tick? Below, you'll find a sneak peek into our journey, as featured in this news article!

This month we would like to introduce you to Jon and Carla Gutcher, owners of the Ontario Poker Room and Social Club. Their unique business was the first of its kind in this area, and they've worked hard to create an environment that's fun, relaxed, and welcoming to poker players and gamers alike. Located in Ontario, Oregon, the Ontario Poker Room is a combination of a few things that have all come together in a great way. Jon and Carla have always loved playing poker. They wanted to build a business of their own that would "keep them busy" as they got closer to retirement from their careers, and they wanted to build something worthwhile that they could pass on to their kids.

Originally from Bend, Oregon, the Gutchers recognized upon relocating to Eastern Oregon that poker players were simply out of luck on this side of the state, the closest casinos being several hours away. The solution? Bring something to Ontario!

Social gaming, by definition, is "a game (other than lottery) between players in a private business, private club or place of public accommodation where no house player, house bank or house odds exist, and there is no house income from the operation of the game." Oregon allows several types of gambling, but cities are allowed to place their own ordinances and codes. Prior to 2016, social gambling was prohibited in Ontario. Jon and Carla had seen other legal card rooms around the state and knew it was something that was worth bringing to Ontario. They did research on other social gambling businesses around the state, gathered data, researched state requirements and regulations, and presented their findings to the City Council in hopes that the city ordinances could be changed.

The ambitious couple also held many community meetings to educate residents about social gambling, explain the benefits to the community and city, and to do away with the "speakeasy" stereotype or other concerns that might be on people's minds. Their presentation to the city was a success, and their hard work paid off. In 2016, the city reshaped the ordinances, and Ontario's first social gaming establishment was opened. Anytime new waters are explored, unexpected issues and unforeseen complications arise, but the Gutchers have worked through these things with the city management, and they are better for the experiences. The guidelines and laws for legal gambling are strict and well-enforced at all levels, but in dealing with laws, ordinances, and the "powers that be," Jon and Carla say, "stand up for yourself and press on through the obstacles, and always pursue your dreams."

While poker is the main draw for most of the people who walk in the doors, the Gutchers encourage their customers to play ANY kind of game! They have hearts, spades, euchre, cribbage, and other games, and they welcome a "bring your own game" policy—encouraging groups of people to come in and use their space to play any game they'd like, with a large group or small. They offer food, a selection of wine and beer, and a big screen TV to keep tabs on the big game. For customers interested specifically in playing poker for cash, there are events every night of the week and frequent tournaments, and The Poker Room currently runs up to 4 tables at a time.

As they see the continued increase in customers, Jon and Carla have exciting ideas for their place. Their biggest vision is to expand into the upstairs of their current building. They want to open a full bar and restaurant, increase the poker capacity to 15-20 tables, and create the space to host other large group games such as Magic the Gathering (a card/deck building game popular with large groups). In short, the Gutchers want the people coming into Ontario Poker Room and Social Club to love the "social" as much as the "poker," and all the energy they put into the business supports that philosophy.