Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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Toronto police raid four illegal poker clubs

By Arthur Crowson

If police raids are any indication, the poker scene is still booming in Canada.

Police raided four gambling dens in Toronto and Pickering, according to a story in the Toronto Sun. Approximately 40 police officers raided the alleged illegal gambling dens on Dufferin St., Chesswood Dr., Brock Rd. and Steeles Ave.

A total of 47 people are now facing charges related to the busts. Nine are charged with keeping a common gaming house while 36 people including two minors are being charged with being found in a common gaming house.

The police also confiscated $12,000 in cash and $23,000 in gambling equipment.

Police told the Sun they believe they are only scratching the surface of the illegal poker games that take place in the Toronto area. They estimate the underground clubs generate millions for the operators every year. According to the police, a single poker table can generate $500,000 a year. Some of the clubs operated as many five tables during tournaments.

Despite the fact there is no casino in Toronto, the city boasts a burgeoning poker scene, and world-famous poker players like Daniel Negreanu and Sorel Mizzi hail from the area.

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