[eguie921]

I just don't understand how you can take a rake knowing that it's illegal.

Here is the link to the story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...46.html?sub=AR

At least try to hide it somehow. I mean come on? Now, the investigation is still going on so you are innocent until proven guilty but the man is successful and has a lot going for him and to risk that for a cut. I guess greed is greed and our prisons wouldn’t be so full if it wasn’t for it.


I thought it was an interesting article. If anyone was curious about Virginia, specifically Fairfax Country, the following quote is in the article:

"It's perfectly legal to have a friendly poker game in your home -- if the house is not taking a cut," said Mary Ann Jennings, a FairfaxCounty police spokeswoman. "The house was taking a cut of the money being played. We don't have gambling rights like Nevada does."

My Disclaimer: As I did, I would do your own research on the subject with your local police department. Just don't go by this qoute only. I qouted it just as a guideline for those who are curious like I was a long time ago.

[hachkc]

Some more first hand info on this at scottkeens.

http://www.scottkeen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7641

[FL70]

Originally Posted by eguie921

Now, the investigation is still going on so you are innocent until proven guilty but the man is successful and has a lot going for him and to risk that for a cut.

Originally Posted by WashingtonPost

Rahim, 37, was charged with operating an illegal gambling enterprise and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Successful maybe, but not without a past it seems.

According to Scott, the guys rake (at least this time) was him and his son playing for free.

[eguie921]

hachkc thanks for the assist! I did browse through that thread over there before I heard NBC announce it this morning. I didn't realized it was the same one or the same guy.


FL70: You are right. I totally spaced on that part. Like I said earlier, I heard it on NBC this morning and then I went on line to find something on it. When I did, I read it quickly and then posted this morning. I guess he does have a past.

My thing is, you do what you want at your house. But, it's just stories like this that make you cocerned that if someone wants to be funny (or stupid really) and opens their mouth; one day you maybe playing and bam! In comes the cops disrupting your game. Of course, if you are legit you have nothing to worry about, but just the thought of going though the hastle.

I read I believe in another post that stated (paraphase) "Like there's not enough other crimes to keep the cops busy that they have to come after poker players." Don't get me wrong, if some thing is illegal it's illegal. But, won't their time be better used stopping drugs, gangs, etc. etc. ? Just ranting.

[Poboy]

As a long time resident of Fairfax County, I am so unsurprised by this I'm on life support. Fairfax county cops in general are and have been p***cks, who spend more time revenue generating than fighting 'crime'.
Add in the mentality in the Washington area, square it for being in Washington's elite nieghborhood, and I am sure someone in the neighborhood tipped off the cops.

[cubsfan970]

From the article: "You never know what's going to happen when you get a bunch of people together gambling and there are guns."

How about honest play

[MeridianFC]

Hey I'm like everyone here and think home poker should be legal. Well it is in VA, but this guy crushed just about every aspect of the law. 300 people, $300-500/head, hired security, etc. That does not sound like any friendly home game I've ever heard of.

[Jambine]

If you are willing to pay a rake to play, then you might as well get your moneys worth. I know of some places that have great, well organized games, free food & drink, real nice amenities, you know.......Casino’s. I love em.

[erikk]

Sounds to me like the same thing that happens with every police bust story. A lot of suppositions, a lot of conflicting facts and possibly no truth. My guess is the guy was playing for free (that sounds too real to be totally made up) and/or some of the money went towards food/booze which puts it squarely into the grey area.

My guess is the guy gets off, the money probably gets returned and everyone walks away but the cop. Which is of course a shame because he was just trying to earn some extra money on a cop salary and probably didn't think the game would be considered illegal (probably won't in the end).

The most interesting thing for me is that it sounds like Scott Keen is a Virginia local. Wonder if I can get the legend to make a poker table for me?

EDIT: btw in the past I've had people add money onto the regular buy-in for a keg; I think that puts my tourney into the grey area even tho I never made any money (kept receipts). Does that make me an idiot for collecting a rake? Depending on what really happened at this place in falls church it sound like maybe it does. I know for sure for my next tourney I'm going to contact the police department and ask them in advance or just make it BYOB.

[Brewster]

AFAIK accepting money/donations for alcoholic drinks is a bit more serious than for food (now you are in violation of liquor laws as well as running a gaming room). There is some excellent discussion of this on this site. In the end, the decision is yours. As far as I am concerned, no profit = no problem.