Details are still sketchy, two of the local poker clubs were busted on Wednesday night.
One is called "Deal me In" at McDowell and Miller roads in Scottsdale . EVERYONE present was arrested and charged (not sure of the specific charge but it had to do with illegal gaming) and the room was shut down.
The second club was still unknown.
So it seems the crackdown has begun. It will be interesting to watch how this progresses.
There was talk around the casino last night that along with the busts on Wednesday night, "Rounders" on Scottsdale and Weber was busted Thursday night, all money was confiscated by the police.
Kind of glad I have kept out of these now, no reason to deal with all that crap if you get arrested.
It appears that these busts are specific to Scottsdale, and that Scottsdale PD has taken the initiative independent of other agencies. Whether other cities, like Mesa and Phoenix will follow suit is up in the air. Have not heard if the state gaming agency is, or will get involved.
Any more info?...source?....press?
Was playing last night at CAZ and one of the players at my table (female) told several people at the table that she was at "Deal Me In" when the cops came in. She also said that they took her and one other person to jail where they booked her and she spent a few hours before releasing her but have not charged her with anything (yet).
She also said that the police confiscated all the chips and that the place was closed. I didn't hear anything about "Rounders" but I looked up the address and it actually has a Tempe address. (google it because not allowed to post addresses on this board)
Personally I would never even consider playing in one of these private rooms for lack of adequate security, legal status, fear of being cheated or robbed when I'm leaving etc. When you consider that we have one of the best limit poker rooms in the Country right here in town (I know there is no NL) it doesn't make sense to me. I just don't think that what you save on the rake is worth the risk and I do not want arrested for illegal gambling on my resume.
To expand on the "facts" according to a Sgt at Scottsdale PD
"Scottsdale Police served a search warrant in furtherance of an illegal gambling investigation at 7607 E. McDowell Rd, "Deal Me In".
The case is ongoing, therefore there isn't much more to share with the public yet.
That may be what you are hearing about."
More unsubstantiated rumor: ( heard at CAZ earlier tonight)
The owner of "Deal Me In" was SUPPOSEDLY using the property as his primary residence, was behind on rent for the space ( several months)and was turned in by the property owner to the Scottsdale PD for possibly running an illegal poker game, hence the investigation.
Fact:
Additionally the owner of "rounders" has been in playing in the 40 game at CAZ the last couple nights...