Oklahoma Johnny Hale was born in Pittsburg, Oklahoma, which is south of Tulsa. He obtains a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Oklahoma University and was a successful businessman before turning to poker. He started playing poker in 1934 and cashed in the WSOP 13 times. He later teamed up with Benny Binion to establish the World Series of Poker, the most prestigious poker tournament in the world.
Although he doesn't play poker as often as when he was young, he continues to contribute a lot to the poker industry as a spokesperson and author. He created the Seniors Hall of Fame, helped to arrange the Seniors World Championship of Poker, and has been promoting other poker events for senior citizens all over the country.
He wrote his autobiography, "The Life and Times of a Gentleman Gambler", in 1999, a chronicle of his life. He also writes poker articles and launched a website, www.oklahomajohnnyhale.com, to share his poker stories.
He talks different topics, such as: about growing up poor, playing in dangerous underground home games around Tulsa, playing in the World Series of Poker, and the famous players he has played with.
Today, “Oklahoma” Johnny Hale lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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HPG ADMIN on February 27, 2013