Australian Home Game Raided by Police

Home game or underground poker game? According to police in Australia it was the latter they raided, describing a ‘suspected illegal casino’ and seizing cash, gaming equipment, poker chips and mobile phones, as well as detaining 21 people while they investigate possible links to organised crime – video of the raid making it to Australian news networks.

Police officers from the Major and Organised Crime Squad in Brisbane executed a search warrant on Friday night after being ‘tipped off by members of the community’ according to Detective Sergeant John Rhule, who stated:

"It's the first time in many years the State Crime Command has investigated such a matter of a suspected unlawful game — it doesn't occur often."

He added: "The game consisted of a professional set-up with professional poker tables, professional chips. It was quite well-resourced and established,” explaining that the players “were very surprised to find police", and spoke of “large amounts of cash” involved, with one 38-year old man being ‘issued with a notice to appear in court after he was allegedly found in possession of a small amount of cocaine’, according to ABC.net.au.

Rhule explained:

"We often find that organised crime is always looking for ways to launder money, and typically the gaming and wagering industries … is a method used to launder money for these groups."

The maximum penalty for running ‘a place of unlawful gaming’ is three years' imprisonment, but according to news sources no-one has been charged as yet, although DS Rhule is hopeful that:

"Given the sophistication and set-up of the game that we found last night, I'm hoping that the community will come forward and provide more information about other suspected unlawful games”.

One poster on the 2+2 forum claimed to have been sent an invite which read:

‘Were called "The Poker Lounge". Located in West End. We have games on:

• Tuesday

• Thursday

• Friday

• Saturday

• Sunday.

Our usual games are: 2/3 No Limit Holdem, 1/2 Pot Limit Omaha & Rotation. Buy ins $100 - $500. Secure Apartment Venue. Great Service & Catering. Massages Available.’

According to news reports, Detective Sergeant Rhule claimed that ‘while people were clearly residing at the apartment, the primary purpose of the living space was to accommodate the makeshift casino,’ and that other such underground casinos were likely to exist too.