Police arrest 3 and seize $350K during raid of private gambling social club
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Three people are facing charges after Houston police raided a west Houston private poker club Wednesday night, seizing more than $350,000 in cash and gambling equipment.
Houston Police SWAT officers executed a search warrant at the Lucky J Social Club in the 9000 block of Richmond Avenue. Police say about 80 to 90 people were inside the club at the time of the raid, playing various table games.
"We had our SWAT team serve the warrant. Approximately 80 to 90 people were in the club," HPD Lt. Larry Crowson said.
Authorities arrested three men, who are now charged with misdemeanor counts of promoting gambling.
But legal experts say the investigation may be far from over.
Former federal prosecutor Michael Wynne, who has represented poker clubs in Texas, says additional charges could still emerge as investigators review the case.
"My thought right now on this developing story is that there may be additional charges, such as money laundering, or a federal investigation. We'll see what develops in the coming days," Wynne said. "Also, I would not be surprised if we don't see more raids."
ABC13 attempted to speak with employees or representatives at the club following the raid, but security personnel prevented us from approaching the property, waving their walkie-talkies in front of our cameras and threatening to call 911.
Meanwhile, Lucky J posted on social media that the club is temporarily closed while it addresses "legal and regulatory issues."
Poker clubs operate in a legal gray area in Texas. According to Wynne, private poker rooms can legally operate if the house does not take a percentage, or "rake," from players' winnings. However, other forms of table gambling, such as blackjack, in which the dealer takes a cut of the winnings, clearly violate Texas law.
Wynne says the safest place for poker games under Texas law is still at home among friends.
"You're probably safest hosting a party in your own house, with your friends, getting together, using the law as it's meant to be," Wynne said. "Have your friends over with your poker game and favorite whiskey, that's probably the way to do it."
