1.   Analysts said that the deal, which still must be approved by stock holders and gaming regulators in several states, makes sense.

2.   But the merger still faces several hurdles, including the approval of Pinnacle stockholders and gaming regulators in several states.

3.   For as long as the poker room has been open, some gaming regulators and investigators privately have said the games were being operated as casino games.

4.   Those hard lessons prompted state gaming regulators to impose financial standards on the industry, including mandatory reinvestment rules that brought the first casino hotels and restaurants.

5.   In a letter to the commission, Dempsey said he would meet with Nevada gaming regulators once they determine which proposals they will adopt.