Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Bill legalizing poker at residents' homes busts in SC House
Copied from www.charlotte.com/
http://www.charlotte.com/205/story/593588.html
Bill legalizing poker at residents' homes busts in SC House
The Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. --Legislators have folded on a bill that would legalize kitchen table poker.
A measure legalizing recreational poker games in homes was sent back to a House panel on Wednesday without debate.
The move ends the bill's chances of passing this year.
State law currently bans any game with cards or dice.
Representative Wallace Scarborough has said a friendly game of cards should be legal.
The Charleston Republican says he introduced the bill after hearing about a 2006 police raid on a poker game in a Mount Pleasant home. Those arrested included a 79-year-old woman.
Copied from http://www.charlotte.com/
http://www.charlotte.com/205/story/593588.html
http://www.charlotte.com/205/story/593588.html
Bill legalizing poker at residents' homes busts in SC House
The Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. --Legislators have folded on a bill that would legalize kitchen table poker.
A measure legalizing recreational poker games in homes was sent back to a House panel on Wednesday without debate.
The move ends the bill's chances of passing this year.
State law currently bans any game with cards or dice.
Representative Wallace Scarborough has said a friendly game of cards should be legal.
The Charleston Republican says he introduced the bill after hearing about a 2006 police raid on a poker game in a Mount Pleasant home. Those arrested included a 79-year-old woman.
Copied from http://www.charlotte.com/
http://www.charlotte.com/205/story/593588.html
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Officer Arrested At Gambling Bust in Salt Lake, Utah
Copied from Casino Gambling Web
http://www.casinogamblingweb.com/gambling-news/gambling-law/officer_arrested_at_gambling_bust_in_salt_lake_utah_48420.html
Officer Arrest At Gambling Bust in Salt Lake, Utah
Posted by Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Gambling arrests and busts are becoming commonplace around the United States these days. The latest bust continues a tend that has been taking place. Officers being involved in the illegal activity.
Lee Edward Morris has been an officer with the Metro Gang Unit in Salt Lake County. That fact did not stop fellow officers from raiding a card game that Morris was involved with.
Police raided 1063 E. 3300 South, and what they found was all sorts of gambling paraphernalia. They seized chips, tables, surveillance cameras, and chip holders from the location. They also arrested five people, one of which was Morris for running the game, and five more people, who were players.
The players were issued tickets and released. Morris was booked on charges of suspicion of ongoing criminal activity. The other four were also booked on charges similar to Morris'.
The investigation continued even after officers became aware that Morris was involved in the gambling operation. They waited to make the arrests, but those arrests finally came on Thursday night.
The game allegedly was a high stakes card game. Police estimate that on some nights, over $100,000 per night was brought in by the operation. The game was not advertised, and mostly word of mouth was how information of the game was passed out.
April 11, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Copied from Casino Gambling Web
http://www.casinogamblingweb.com/gambling-news/gambling-law/officer_arrested_at_gambling_bust_in_salt_lake_utah_48420.html
http://www.casinogamblingweb.com/gambling-news/gambling-law/officer_arrested_at_gambling_bust_in_salt_lake_utah_48420.html
Officer Arrest At Gambling Bust in Salt Lake, Utah
Posted by Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Gambling arrests and busts are becoming commonplace around the United States these days. The latest bust continues a tend that has been taking place. Officers being involved in the illegal activity.
Lee Edward Morris has been an officer with the Metro Gang Unit in Salt Lake County. That fact did not stop fellow officers from raiding a card game that Morris was involved with.
Police raided 1063 E. 3300 South, and what they found was all sorts of gambling paraphernalia. They seized chips, tables, surveillance cameras, and chip holders from the location. They also arrested five people, one of which was Morris for running the game, and five more people, who were players.
The players were issued tickets and released. Morris was booked on charges of suspicion of ongoing criminal activity. The other four were also booked on charges similar to Morris'.
The investigation continued even after officers became aware that Morris was involved in the gambling operation. They waited to make the arrests, but those arrests finally came on Thursday night.
The game allegedly was a high stakes card game. Police estimate that on some nights, over $100,000 per night was brought in by the operation. The game was not advertised, and mostly word of mouth was how information of the game was passed out.
April 11, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Copied from Casino Gambling Web
http://www.casinogamblingweb.com/gambling-news/gambling-law/officer_arrested_at_gambling_bust_in_salt_lake_utah_48420.html
Monday, April 21, 2008
My Bi-Annual Suck Out Happened...
Well, it happened! Once... maybe twice a year, I actually put my money in behind and then suck-out to win the hand. Rick, Keith, Big Dave, the Juice, Joe, Dean... it happens for them 2-3 times a night.... but me, once every six months to two years... that's it!
It was against Rick on Saturday night over at the Juice's game.... We're playing O8 High ONLY since we're playing 3 handed... me, Rick and the Juice. I catch Qx, Qx, Jx, Kx pre-flop on the button and raise the mandatory $20 straddle to $70... Rick (on the big blind) insta-calls.... The flop is crap... 8x, 9x, 3x, if I remember correctly. Rick checks and I move all-in.... I've got $395 in front of me and the pot is $140 or so. Rick immediately calls and Dave starts saying that Rick had flopped top set... but it was almost just as bad as he had flopped top two pair.... the turn was a Jack.... now I've got even more outs... any King, any Queen, any Jack, any 3 and of course... any 10... and bingo, bango, bongo.... the 10x giving me the nuts... the King high straight. As soon as it hit I said... "Oh No.... " I knew immediately it was bi-annual suck-out and I really had hoped to use it on a really really big pot... But I guess it'll have to do for now....
Sorry Rick...
Hmm... Let the suck outs begin!
It was against Rick on Saturday night over at the Juice's game.... We're playing O8 High ONLY since we're playing 3 handed... me, Rick and the Juice. I catch Qx, Qx, Jx, Kx pre-flop on the button and raise the mandatory $20 straddle to $70... Rick (on the big blind) insta-calls.... The flop is crap... 8x, 9x, 3x, if I remember correctly. Rick checks and I move all-in.... I've got $395 in front of me and the pot is $140 or so. Rick immediately calls and Dave starts saying that Rick had flopped top set... but it was almost just as bad as he had flopped top two pair.... the turn was a Jack.... now I've got even more outs... any King, any Queen, any Jack, any 3 and of course... any 10... and bingo, bango, bongo.... the 10x giving me the nuts... the King high straight. As soon as it hit I said... "Oh No.... " I knew immediately it was bi-annual suck-out and I really had hoped to use it on a really really big pot... But I guess it'll have to do for now....
Sorry Rick...
Hmm... Let the suck outs begin!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A,A,2,4 IS a good hand, Charles
There is nothing wrong with limping in to a pot with less than premium cards, flopping a monster and winning a big pot. No one is going to think any less of you for playing a hand with a nine in it, so stop feeling obligated to depreciate every hand you play. In fact, I think we would all have less respect for your game if you would only play premium cards (except for Rick, mathamatically).
There is nothing brilliant about sitting in a chair until someone hands you some pieces of paper with two A's and a 2 on them and then pushing all your chips in the middle of the table; just like there is nothing noteworthy about taking convenient bathroom breaks right before your big blind (other than the fact that you should be noted as a douchebag). Your hand has value if, given the situation, you can expect to make profit. If you are playing against opponents whose hands start shaking with two pair and a live seven, then a whole lot of hands are "good" to limp in with. Creativity is far more interesting to read about. Rocks are not creative, they just sit there.
There is nothing brilliant about sitting in a chair until someone hands you some pieces of paper with two A's and a 2 on them and then pushing all your chips in the middle of the table; just like there is nothing noteworthy about taking convenient bathroom breaks right before your big blind (other than the fact that you should be noted as a douchebag). Your hand has value if, given the situation, you can expect to make profit. If you are playing against opponents whose hands start shaking with two pair and a live seven, then a whole lot of hands are "good" to limp in with. Creativity is far more interesting to read about. Rocks are not creative, they just sit there.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Some implicated in Hanahan poker raid also charged in Mt. Pleasant
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/apr/09/players_twice_busted36551/
Copied from http://www.charleston.net/
Some implicated in Hanahan poker raid also charged in Mt. Pleasant
By Glenn Smith (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wade Spees
The Post and Courier
Bob Chimento
Bob Chimento has been dealt this hand before.
In 2006, Chimento was playing poker at a Mount Pleasant home when police stormed through the door and charged him and 23 others with illegal gambling.
Fast forward two years to another night and another home — with the same result.
Cards, chips, multiple arrests. Once again, Chimento's name is in the pot.
And he's not alone. Several people implicated this week in a sophisticated Lowcountry gambling operation also were charged in the infamous Mount Pleasant raid that drew national attention and reinvigorated a debate over the fairness of South Carolina's anti-gaming laws, authorities said.
Martin Orlando Reyes' Hanahan home (pictured) was the focus of a raid Friday that resulted in 191 warrants charging 65 people.
Related stories
Investigators have obtained 191 warrants to charge 65 people in connection with the 10-month investigation into a high-stakes poker circuit run from four area locations. The probe culminated with a raid Friday at Martin Orlando Reyes' Hanahan home, where cards, chips, poker tables and $40,000 were seized.
Chimento said he did not frequent the Hanahan home; the stakes were out of his price range. But he has heard there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest in connection with some other facet of the gambling investigation, he said.
Chimento is among five of the Mount Pleasant players still awaiting trial in the 2006 case.
Eighteen of the 24 arrested challenged the charges, some have since pleaded guilty.
Chimento doesn't seem particularly cowed by the prospect of facing new charges. In fact, he wants his day in court on this issue. He hopes it will galvanize support for changing the 200-year-old state law that bars card and dice games.
"We as individuals want the right to play cards," he said. "This is strictly for fun. I'm just a guy who wants to play cards in his home and enjoy myself without being arrested."
Chimento's statements were the latest volley in an ongoing public relations battle between the card players and the investigators pressing charges against them.
In media interviews, Reyes, his wife and others have painted an image of a friendly group of card enthusiasts just trying to enjoy a harmless hobby in the privacy of their homes. Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon and investigators have countered with descriptions of a well-heeled and organized gambling operation where paid dealers worked the tables and large sums of money routinely changed hands.
Half of those implicated in the Hanahan raid have yet to set foot in court or be served with warrants, but that hasn't stopped the two sides from jockeying for public favor through print, Internet and the airwaves.
A Charleston police officer, a veteran prosecutor, a school teacher and a host of other professionals have been implicated in the case. And the taint has touched some unintended targets as well.
George Gardner, who runs a Summerville accounting business, said he has lost some customers after they mistakenly assumed he was the same George Gardner charged in the gambling probe.
He is not. "I don't even gamble," he said.
State Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-James Island, said the debate has breathed new life into his proposal to loosen state law to allow casual poker games and church raffles — as well as to clarify that games such as Monopoly and Yahtzee are legal. The bill had been stuck in a legislative subcommittee for months, but he received word Tuesday that the measure will finally get a hearing next week.
"People are outraged by what is going on in Charleston," he said. "This is an outdated law. It needs to be fixed."
Chimento said the law, as it is currently written, is unconstitutional and leads to selective enforcement against aficionados of poker, which he maintains is a noble game of skill. "We are serious players, poker enthusiasts, and it's not wrong to be that way."
While the law might not change, the case already has brought about some retooling of the Sheriff's Office policies concerning the use of ski masks to protect the identities of officers during raids and other operations.
Cannon first expressed concern about the practice after a December raid at a Hanahan restaurant to seize video gambling machines. Some customers said they were frightened because they mistook the officers for robbers. Some card players at Reyes' house had similar complaints.
The Sheriff's Office also took some jabs on talk radio for having masked investigators who resembled ninjas on hand to process poker suspects who surrendered at the county jail on Monday. One attorney dubbed it a "costume party."
Sheriff's Maj. John Clark said undercover officers have real concerns about protecting their identities, particularly if that might compromise ongoing cases. But in poker raids and similar vice operations, the Sheriff's Office will try to substitute uniformed deputies for those officers to avoid using the masks and creating confusion, he said.
Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com.
Copied from http://www.charleston.net/
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/apr/09/players_twice_busted36551/
Copied from http://www.charleston.net/
Some implicated in Hanahan poker raid also charged in Mt. PleasantBy Glenn Smith (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wade Spees
The Post and Courier
Bob Chimento
Bob Chimento has been dealt this hand before.
In 2006, Chimento was playing poker at a Mount Pleasant home when police stormed through the door and charged him and 23 others with illegal gambling.
Fast forward two years to another night and another home — with the same result.
Cards, chips, multiple arrests. Once again, Chimento's name is in the pot.
And he's not alone. Several people implicated this week in a sophisticated Lowcountry gambling operation also were charged in the infamous Mount Pleasant raid that drew national attention and reinvigorated a debate over the fairness of South Carolina's anti-gaming laws, authorities said.
Martin Orlando Reyes' Hanahan home (pictured) was the focus of a raid Friday that resulted in 191 warrants charging 65 people.
Related stories
Investigators have obtained 191 warrants to charge 65 people in connection with the 10-month investigation into a high-stakes poker circuit run from four area locations. The probe culminated with a raid Friday at Martin Orlando Reyes' Hanahan home, where cards, chips, poker tables and $40,000 were seized.
Chimento said he did not frequent the Hanahan home; the stakes were out of his price range. But he has heard there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest in connection with some other facet of the gambling investigation, he said.
Chimento is among five of the Mount Pleasant players still awaiting trial in the 2006 case.
Eighteen of the 24 arrested challenged the charges, some have since pleaded guilty.
Chimento doesn't seem particularly cowed by the prospect of facing new charges. In fact, he wants his day in court on this issue. He hopes it will galvanize support for changing the 200-year-old state law that bars card and dice games.
"We as individuals want the right to play cards," he said. "This is strictly for fun. I'm just a guy who wants to play cards in his home and enjoy myself without being arrested."
Chimento's statements were the latest volley in an ongoing public relations battle between the card players and the investigators pressing charges against them.
In media interviews, Reyes, his wife and others have painted an image of a friendly group of card enthusiasts just trying to enjoy a harmless hobby in the privacy of their homes. Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon and investigators have countered with descriptions of a well-heeled and organized gambling operation where paid dealers worked the tables and large sums of money routinely changed hands.
Half of those implicated in the Hanahan raid have yet to set foot in court or be served with warrants, but that hasn't stopped the two sides from jockeying for public favor through print, Internet and the airwaves.
A Charleston police officer, a veteran prosecutor, a school teacher and a host of other professionals have been implicated in the case. And the taint has touched some unintended targets as well.
George Gardner, who runs a Summerville accounting business, said he has lost some customers after they mistakenly assumed he was the same George Gardner charged in the gambling probe.
He is not. "I don't even gamble," he said.
State Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-James Island, said the debate has breathed new life into his proposal to loosen state law to allow casual poker games and church raffles — as well as to clarify that games such as Monopoly and Yahtzee are legal. The bill had been stuck in a legislative subcommittee for months, but he received word Tuesday that the measure will finally get a hearing next week.
"People are outraged by what is going on in Charleston," he said. "This is an outdated law. It needs to be fixed."
Chimento said the law, as it is currently written, is unconstitutional and leads to selective enforcement against aficionados of poker, which he maintains is a noble game of skill. "We are serious players, poker enthusiasts, and it's not wrong to be that way."
While the law might not change, the case already has brought about some retooling of the Sheriff's Office policies concerning the use of ski masks to protect the identities of officers during raids and other operations.
Cannon first expressed concern about the practice after a December raid at a Hanahan restaurant to seize video gambling machines. Some customers said they were frightened because they mistook the officers for robbers. Some card players at Reyes' house had similar complaints.
The Sheriff's Office also took some jabs on talk radio for having masked investigators who resembled ninjas on hand to process poker suspects who surrendered at the county jail on Monday. One attorney dubbed it a "costume party."
Sheriff's Maj. John Clark said undercover officers have real concerns about protecting their identities, particularly if that might compromise ongoing cases. But in poker raids and similar vice operations, the Sheriff's Office will try to substitute uniformed deputies for those officers to avoid using the masks and creating confusion, he said.
Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com.
Copied from http://www.charleston.net/
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/apr/09/players_twice_busted36551/
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Akash Up To Previous Weeks Tricks...
We've got a pretty good table at O8 Pot Limit before Akash comes in. He buys in and as usual begins firing away. I believe it was his second hand that he came in on the small blind and made a minimal raise of about $15. I'm the big blind and have As, 3s, 5h, Jh. Not a monster by any stretch of the imagination, but it could be good at this table. There are 4 callers.
To say I liked the flop would be an understatement.... Js, Jd, 3h. Akash leads out with a $50 bet and since I put him on AA and maybe some crappy low draw, I raise it another $200 and we get all the chips in right here. Sure enough he turns over pocket Aces and mumbles something about me possibly having a Jack....
At any rate, with no further drama he turns up the pocket Aces with no low draw and "BAM" his one lone Ace remaining in the deck and the river is a 9.... Scooper!
Need I say it... Let the suck outs begin!
To say I liked the flop would be an understatement.... Js, Jd, 3h. Akash leads out with a $50 bet and since I put him on AA and maybe some crappy low draw, I raise it another $200 and we get all the chips in right here. Sure enough he turns over pocket Aces and mumbles something about me possibly having a Jack....
At any rate, with no further drama he turns up the pocket Aces with no low draw and "BAM" his one lone Ace remaining in the deck and the river is a 9.... Scooper!
Need I say it... Let the suck outs begin!
Friday, April 11, 2008
PPA Call To Action
Dear Prospective Poker Players Alliance (PPA) Member,
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul Boome, and I am honored to be the new North Carolina State Director for the Poker Players Alliance (PPA).
As you know, our grassroots efforts are vital to protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans who enjoy the game of poker. From passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, to the increasing number of police raids on home poker games in recent years, it is clear that there is a real threat to the game we love in all its forms.
But now, we are making real progress in reclaiming lost ground. A congressional hearing last week confirmed, for the record, that UIGEA is bad law and should be repealed. Now we need to make sure that all Members of Congress are aware that the tide has turned against UIGEA.
We are asking all PPA members to send a message to Congress. Even if you have written before, it's time to do it again.
We've made it easy for you. Click here, and in a few short steps you can send an email to your U.S. Representative and Senators asking that they roll back UIGEA and advance pro-Internet poker legislation. With the 2008 elections fast approaching, it's a good time to remind them you are a pro-poker voter as well!
I also encourage you to visit the PPA forums. I will be regularly posting state information on these pages and it is also the best way for each of us to update other state PPA members on how to become more involved in the PPA, key local issues, upcoming poker events, etc.
There is much more soon to come. In the near future, the PPA will be announcing some exciting changes, including a revamped Web site and a new membership program with fantastic benefits for paid members. Stay tuned. And if you haven’t already, I urge you to check out some of the exciting things the PPA has recently been up to:
Litigation Support Network
UIGEA Congressional Hearing
Fighting for Poker Player Rights in Massachusetts
In closing, I am proud to represent you as the North Carolina PPA State Director. I am committed to our cause and I look forward to working with you to defend the great game of poker. Rest assured you will hear more from me, and I look forward to hearing from you on our forums.
If you are interested in being part of the volunteer NC State Committee please fill out the PPA Volunteer Form (click here)
Proud to play,
Paul Boome
PPA NC State Director
NC@pokerplayersalliance.org
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul Boome, and I am honored to be the new North Carolina State Director for the Poker Players Alliance (PPA).
As you know, our grassroots efforts are vital to protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans who enjoy the game of poker. From passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, to the increasing number of police raids on home poker games in recent years, it is clear that there is a real threat to the game we love in all its forms.
But now, we are making real progress in reclaiming lost ground. A congressional hearing last week confirmed, for the record, that UIGEA is bad law and should be repealed. Now we need to make sure that all Members of Congress are aware that the tide has turned against UIGEA.
We are asking all PPA members to send a message to Congress. Even if you have written before, it's time to do it again.
We've made it easy for you. Click here, and in a few short steps you can send an email to your U.S. Representative and Senators asking that they roll back UIGEA and advance pro-Internet poker legislation. With the 2008 elections fast approaching, it's a good time to remind them you are a pro-poker voter as well!
I also encourage you to visit the PPA forums. I will be regularly posting state information on these pages and it is also the best way for each of us to update other state PPA members on how to become more involved in the PPA, key local issues, upcoming poker events, etc.
There is much more soon to come. In the near future, the PPA will be announcing some exciting changes, including a revamped Web site and a new membership program with fantastic benefits for paid members. Stay tuned. And if you haven’t already, I urge you to check out some of the exciting things the PPA has recently been up to:
Litigation Support Network
UIGEA Congressional Hearing
Fighting for Poker Player Rights in Massachusetts
In closing, I am proud to represent you as the North Carolina PPA State Director. I am committed to our cause and I look forward to working with you to defend the great game of poker. Rest assured you will hear more from me, and I look forward to hearing from you on our forums.
If you are interested in being part of the volunteer NC State Committee please fill out the PPA Volunteer Form (click here)
Proud to play,
Paul Boome
PPA NC State Director
NC@pokerplayersalliance.org
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Straight Flush Vs Quads!
**** With Edits ****
Big Dave's hand
Both hands.... pre-flop monsters in O8 No Limit! I don't know how they didn't get all their chips in the middle pre-flop. Do you? 
Big Dave has flopped a monster! Trip sixes with an Ace kicker.... Now how do you get the most value from your hand... I know.... check! 
Oh baby... quads! Nice... but Dave is not going to get paid unless someone catches something.... bet? check? bet? check?.... Oh.... ok, check! 
Well, there you go.... I don't think I really need to say anything else.... except for once.... I didn't have the quads! But unfortunately, I didn't have the straight flush either.... The hand started off innocent enough....
Bill T's hand
Big Dave's hand
Both hands.... pre-flop monsters in O8 No Limit! I don't know how they didn't get all their chips in the middle pre-flop. Do you?
Since I wasn't paying much attention to the beginning of the hand, I can't tell you if there was a straddle or not and a raise or not, but since it is at the Juice's game.... let's assume so.
Here comes the flop.....
Big Dave has flopped a monster! Trip sixes with an Ace kicker.... Now how do you get the most value from your hand... I know.... check!
The turn.....
Oh baby... quads! Nice... but Dave is not going to get paid unless someone catches something.... bet? check? bet? check?.... Oh.... ok, check!
The river.....
Both guys with sizeable stacks in front of them and Dave makes a pot sized bet of, let's say $150 or so.... Bill T raises it another $150! Dean raises it $300 and Bill T quickly moves all in and Dave calls and turns over 2nd nut only to find out that there really is a 1st nut and Bill T is sporting it.....
Quads losing to the straight flush!
Is there a lesson to be learned from this? I think so, but what are the odds.... in this game, with these $$, with this dealer.... yep, the odds of getting screwed are about 100% that the old two outer is coming!
Do I need to say it?
Let the suck outs begin!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
Seven Indicted on Video Poker Gambling Charges in March
Sorry, I don't know how I missed this story from early March, but I still felt that I should post it....
Copied from The Star, Cleveland County, NC
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/grand_29465___article.html/indicted_jury.html
Seven indicted on video poker gambling charges
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008, 11:16 pm
Freedom News Service
GASTONIA - A Gaston County grand jury indicted seven people last week on gambling charges stemming from police raids on two businesses in Gastonia and one in Cherryville.
The names of those indicted were not listed on a grand jury sheet provided to the public last week because the case was added late Monday, the day the grand jury met, said Assistant District Attorney Bill Stevenson.
Prosecutors allege that four businesses - J&B's, 1837 W. Franklin Blvd.; Phone Sweeps, 2566 W. Franklin Blvd., and J&M Cash and Carry and Cherry Sales, both located at a downtown Cherryville business at the corner of Main and Pink streets - were actually fronts for online gambling schemes.
Video gambling machines were banned in North Carolina on July 1, 2007.
Prosecutors say people were gambling illegally by using swipe cards to buy time or credits. Players can earn more time or credits by playing any number of games on computer terminals, according to police. And payouts for winners were made at the counter, Gaston County District Attorney Locke Bell said after the raids.
Those indicted:
Jodi Elizabeth Bell, 48, of the 5000 block of Wood Road, Gastonia, was indicted on one felony gaming machine violation, two counts of misdemeanor gambling and two counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&B's in Gastonia.
Jody Widener, 41, of the 200 block of East Main Avenue, Bessemer City, was indicted on one felony video gaming machine violation, two counts of misdemeanor gambling and two counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&B's in Gastonia.
Anthony Burkett, 25, of Rock Hill, S.C., was indicted on continuing criminal enterprise, two counts of felony video gaming machine violation, four counts of misdemeanor gambling and four counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&B's in Gastonia.
Teresa Goins Gardner, 44, of the 600 block of Crescent Circle, Kings Mountain, was indicted on one count of continuing criminal enterprise, obtaining signatures by false pretense, one count of felony video gaming machine violation, three counts of misdemeanor gambling, three counts misdemeanor dealing in lotteries and one count of misdemeanor conducting an illegal raffle at Phone Sweeps in Gastonia.
Michael Larry Turner, 54, of the 1100 block of Baxter Road, was indicted on one count of obtaining property by false pretense, one count of misdemeanor gaming machine violation, one count of misdemeanor gambling and one count of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&M Cash and Carry in Cherryville.
Phillip Craig Caldwell, 46, of Campobello, S.C., was indicted on one count of continuing criminal enterprise, obtaining signatures by false pretense, one count of felony video gaming machine violation, three counts of misdemeanor gambling, three counts misdemeanor dealing in lotteries and one count of misdemeanor conducting an illegal raffle at Phone Sweeps in Gastonia.
Robert Clay Sparrow, 65, of Blacksburg, S.C., was indicted on one count of continuing criminal enterprise, obtaining signatures by false pretense, two counts felony video gaming machine violation, four counts of misdemeanor gambling, four counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&Bs in Gastonia and Cherry Sales in Cherryville.
Copied from The Star, Cleveland County, NC
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/grand_29465___article.html/indicted_jury.html
Copied from The Star, Cleveland County, NC
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/grand_29465___article.html/indicted_jury.html
Seven indicted on video poker gambling charges
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008, 11:16 pm
Freedom News Service
GASTONIA - A Gaston County grand jury indicted seven people last week on gambling charges stemming from police raids on two businesses in Gastonia and one in Cherryville.
The names of those indicted were not listed on a grand jury sheet provided to the public last week because the case was added late Monday, the day the grand jury met, said Assistant District Attorney Bill Stevenson.
Prosecutors allege that four businesses - J&B's, 1837 W. Franklin Blvd.; Phone Sweeps, 2566 W. Franklin Blvd., and J&M Cash and Carry and Cherry Sales, both located at a downtown Cherryville business at the corner of Main and Pink streets - were actually fronts for online gambling schemes.
Video gambling machines were banned in North Carolina on July 1, 2007.
Prosecutors say people were gambling illegally by using swipe cards to buy time or credits. Players can earn more time or credits by playing any number of games on computer terminals, according to police. And payouts for winners were made at the counter, Gaston County District Attorney Locke Bell said after the raids.
Those indicted:
Jodi Elizabeth Bell, 48, of the 5000 block of Wood Road, Gastonia, was indicted on one felony gaming machine violation, two counts of misdemeanor gambling and two counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&B's in Gastonia.
Jody Widener, 41, of the 200 block of East Main Avenue, Bessemer City, was indicted on one felony video gaming machine violation, two counts of misdemeanor gambling and two counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&B's in Gastonia.
Anthony Burkett, 25, of Rock Hill, S.C., was indicted on continuing criminal enterprise, two counts of felony video gaming machine violation, four counts of misdemeanor gambling and four counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&B's in Gastonia.
Teresa Goins Gardner, 44, of the 600 block of Crescent Circle, Kings Mountain, was indicted on one count of continuing criminal enterprise, obtaining signatures by false pretense, one count of felony video gaming machine violation, three counts of misdemeanor gambling, three counts misdemeanor dealing in lotteries and one count of misdemeanor conducting an illegal raffle at Phone Sweeps in Gastonia.
Michael Larry Turner, 54, of the 1100 block of Baxter Road, was indicted on one count of obtaining property by false pretense, one count of misdemeanor gaming machine violation, one count of misdemeanor gambling and one count of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&M Cash and Carry in Cherryville.
Phillip Craig Caldwell, 46, of Campobello, S.C., was indicted on one count of continuing criminal enterprise, obtaining signatures by false pretense, one count of felony video gaming machine violation, three counts of misdemeanor gambling, three counts misdemeanor dealing in lotteries and one count of misdemeanor conducting an illegal raffle at Phone Sweeps in Gastonia.
Robert Clay Sparrow, 65, of Blacksburg, S.C., was indicted on one count of continuing criminal enterprise, obtaining signatures by false pretense, two counts felony video gaming machine violation, four counts of misdemeanor gambling, four counts of misdemeanor dealing in lotteries at J&Bs in Gastonia and Cherry Sales in Cherryville.
Copied from The Star, Cleveland County, NC
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/grand_29465___article.html/indicted_jury.html
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Poker Game Leads to Stabbing Death in Atlantic City
A disagreement at a poker table led to a stabbing death Saturday at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City.
According to a story at majorwager.com:
Vicente Perez, 57, of Georgia, began arguing with another man at a Taj poker table, Vitale said. They stepped out of the casino and into the valet parking area of the garage near the Virginia Avenue entrance, where the argument descended into violence.
The victim, whose identity was not released pending the notification of his family, was pronounced dead at 4:05 p.m. at AtlantiCare Medical Center in Atlantic City.
Perez is in custody and faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and two weapons charges.
According to a story at majorwager.com:
Vicente Perez, 57, of Georgia, began arguing with another man at a Taj poker table, Vitale said. They stepped out of the casino and into the valet parking area of the garage near the Virginia Avenue entrance, where the argument descended into violence.
The victim, whose identity was not released pending the notification of his family, was pronounced dead at 4:05 p.m. at AtlantiCare Medical Center in Atlantic City.
Perez is in custody and faces charges of aggravated manslaughter and two weapons charges.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
In Response to SuperPlaya...
I just wanted to level-set my ideas for this site.... I didn't start it for it to be a place where I dump all my ideas (right or wrong) about the game, hands, local poker rooms, etc., but I feel obligated to provide something... hopefully something good, fun to read, and informative for the folks who are frequenting the site. The best way to keep from reading only my rants (right or wrong) is to blog yourself.We now have a modest following that bump the TPJ and the TPJ blog site everyday. I really try to have something posted every morning new so that these folks see something new when they log in.... It would be my hope that some of you readers begin to blog as well. Having said that I have left the site open so that folks could post comments as Anonymous. I have actually deleted about 20 or so rather rude and demeaning comments from folks who, for whatever reason, chose to blog and hide their identity. I think at some point the Anonymous comments will be banned, but for now, I hope that everyone will not only visit the site and read the content, but actually get involved and post some comments of your own. I know, without a doubt, that some of you guys have some excellent insight into the game and I would love to hear about it. I know it feels like all the bad beats on the planet happen at 2-3 games where I play regularly and normally to me, but I know some of you guys are getting hit with them too. And yes, Shirky, I absolutely put some bad beats on some other folks too.... but you're right, for some reason, I can't remember those...
Oh well... that is my 2 cents worth and I sincerely hope that some of you other players will begin to share your thoughts and memories of the game of poker....
Let the suck outs begin!
Friday, April 04, 2008
My Humble Opinions - By Charles
Charles (AKA: The Bluebird of Happiness...) was busy at work today and asked me to post this for him. It appears to be a simple breakdown of his opinions regarding the local poker scene.
Local Games
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
Dealers
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
Rules (Or Lack Thereof…)
Local Games
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
Dealers
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
Rules (Or Lack Thereof…)
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
Players
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
All Other Things Not Covered Above
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
Let the suckouts begin - er, continue!
Charles
Players
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
All Other Things Not Covered Above
Whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry whine snivel grumble bitch moan complain sob grouse nag object carp howl bellyache criticize disparage sneer blubber groan gripe whimper mutter cry.
Let the suckouts begin - er, continue!
Charles
The World According to the Juice....
Yep... the only trees in his world are artificial and I'm pretty certain that he got Bart to plant them on some sort of wierd "bartering" deal....Let the suck outs begin!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Double Nuts on the Turn = Getting Quartered on the River!
Yep... I had SuperPlaya (may have to change his name after getting his chips in when he was this far behind). I've got As, 2s, 6h, 9c.... not great, but in late position with a straddle, I at least wanted to see the flop. I forget who was the straddler, but when it got back to him, he raised it another $30. I believe there were about 5 callers so we've got a $300 pot pre-flop.I liked the flop... 3h, 7h, 8s.... nut low with an open end straight... there were a couple of magic cards for me.... any non-heart 5 or 10 gives me double nuts.... The flop checks all the way around and there it is .... on the turn.... the black 5 giving me the double nuts. I believe it was Bart (may not have been but he bet every other time last night so it could very easily have been him).... one caller and it gets to me and it is time to take it down and get paid.... I push all-in. SuperPlaya calls and everyone else folds.... he turns over the Ah, 6x and another heart.... he has a crappy low and the nut flush draw. Suddenly when he sees what bad shape he is in, he breaks out the holy water and the beeds and begins whimpering about wanting the 2 of hearts. And of course, Corey.... flips up the river... the 2 of hearts. Now my nut low is the same as his shitty low... the A, 6 and he has the nut flush. I went from getting all the chips in on the turn with the double nuts to getting quartered on the river by the-not-so-super... SuperPlaya! Nice!
I'm sure that as he analyzes his play later... this one made perfect sense.
Let the suck outs begin!
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