Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006

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Illegal poker business busted in Alaska

By Sarah Polson

An illegal poker game was raided by city and federal authorities last week in Midtown, Alaska, during which thousands of dollars were seized from two Texas Hold'em poker games.

The raid was the result of a year-long investigation into the gambling house which police say has been in operation for several years with various people running the business. The house raided Aug. 22 and warrants were also served at another related Anchorage property, and the home of a man alleged to be involved with the business.

No arrests were made during the raid and police haven't released the names of the players or the employees that were present during the raid. However Perry Green, a well-known advocate of legalized gaming in Alaska, admitted to media that he was at the home, though he didn't admit to actually playing.

Police did seize more than $50,000 in cash, cards, felt tables, and poker chips during the raid.

According to the police, a woman living at the residence said the house was used for gambling at least one night each week with two different gambling operations set up every Tuesday. The buy-in for games was $100 or $1,000, and the house rake was 5%.

Depending on the scale of the operation, it can be a misdemeanor or a felony violation to operate a gambling house for profit. Alaska's statute also makes it illegal to play in those games.

Alaska has been cracking down more on "vice crimes" such as gambling, and police said they hope the raid sends a message to would-be gamblers to stay away from illegal gambling houses.

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