More NYC poker clubs close down

In the wake of high profile visits made by Yankees star Alex Rodriguez to some of the city's best underground gambling venues, a number of illegal Manhattan poker clubs have become fearful of being busted by the NYPD and voluntarily closed their doors.

Reports indicate that approximately 20 illegal poker dens were in operation in Manhattan at the peak of the summer. These numbers have since dwindled considerably, a situation owners and players blame on a police crackdown of the underground network and on syndicated news reports bringing heat on the clubs. In order to avoid charges and arrest, some owners are now closing their doors voluntarily, much to the dismay of dedicated poker enthusiasts.

NYPD officials have denied targeting the underground poker scene, despite reports claiming that nearly 10 NYC poker parlors have been raided in the last six months.