Toronto Raid on Poker Clubs

August 10, 2008

If there should be any doubt, let it be known that the poker scene is alive and well in Canada – just ask the police. They raided four poker clubs in Toronto and Pickering this week, and 47 people are now facing charges related to the busts.

More than 40 police officers raided four poker club locations: Brock Rd., Chesswood Dr., Dufferin St., and Steeles Avenue. Nine of those charged are accused of keeping a common gaming house, while the other 36 people are being charged with being found in a common gaming house. Two of those accused are minors.

They also took $12,000 in cash and $23,000 in poker and gambling equipment. This would seem like a successful bust for the police, and yet they say this is only the surface of the poker problem.

They say that there are tons of illegal poker games running every day in Toronto and the surrounding area. They say that these poker clubs are bringing in millions of dollars a year. According to the police, a single poker table can bring in a half a million dollars a year.

They say that one of the biggest problems is illegal poker tournaments. These tournaments are responsible for up to five tables and millions of dollars by themselves. There may not be a casino, but there is definitely poker going on.