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Four arrested in Texas poker room raid over alleged pot raking
Authorities shut down Katy Poker and said they expect further charges. No players were arrested, according to PokerNews.
Authorities raided Katy Poker in Katy, Texas, on Thursday, arresting four people and shutting down the cardroom over allegations that it illegally took a share of cash-game pots, PokerNews reported.
All four were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. A Harris County Sheriff's Office officer said additional charges were expected and could include money laundering. No players were arrested.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare spoke to reporters outside the club and accused it of operating illegally. Authorities said the raid was part of a wider crackdown on cardrooms in the Houston area.
The club has eight card tables and mainly offers low- to mid-stakes games, according to PokerNews. Police alleged it collected rake from cash-game pots.
PokerNews reported that Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code allows poker rooms to operate without charging rake. Teare said membership-based clubs operate within the law and are not the target of the enforcement effort, though some lawmakers believe poker is illegal regardless of the business model.
Authorities also claimed illegal poker rooms can be unsecured and expose departing players carrying cash to robbery. They said such rooms create problems for businesses operating legally.
Katy Poker was the second cardroom in Katy raided in recent weeks. Authorities seized $118,000 in cash from 101 Richmond last month, but that room reopened in less than 24 hours. No players were arrested in that raid.