Police Raid Phoenix $2-$5 Poker Game After Year-Long Investigation

A poker room that calls itself “the premiere private poker club in the Phoenix area” was raided by the state Department of Gaming and city police on Thursday.

According to a report from azcentral.com, police arrested five people after arriving at the establishment with search warrants. Authorities reportedly investigated the poker club for a year. Police said that those arrested are looking at charges for operating an illegal gaming facility, racketeering and promotion of illegal gambling.

Poker Union said on its website that it’s a members-only venue that “strives to promote the fun and entertainment of poker in a social gaming environment.” The club had an afternoon $2-$5 no-limit hold’em game. It held weekly freerolls, high hand bonuses, and also sent players to the annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

“We will champion the cause of the Poker Players Alliance that poker is a sport; a game of skill more than mere chance or dumb luck, and not gambling in the same vein as other casino games where the house has an active stake and decidedly advantageous odds,” the website said. “Poker was played in Arizona long before casinos took over the game and claimed it as their own. It is time we take back what has always been ours and reclaim a game enjoyed around the world by men and women of every age, race and creed.”

The Phoenix area is home to eight poker rooms at tribal casinos. There are more than 100 poker tables between the casinos. Commercial casinos aren’t allowed in the state.

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