Poker has not only invaded our screens, our internet and our leisure time, its also invaded our homes.

Despite being illegal, private poker games are raking in $1000's - and the police are doing nothing about it. In fact, its turning the nation's homes into their own private mini-casinos - not that anybody will admit to it

Players range from college students to businessmen.

"One thing that's a lot of fun in playing in kind of underground games around town, there's people that are 60, 70 years old and kids as young as 18 or 19," said Bill, a 34-year-old consultant and occasional player who, like others, won't give his full name.

For some, it's just a good time: simply a group of friends getting together.

For others, the games are big business.

The poker hosts will take a cut of the pot - usually 4 or 5% and the games can last all day and night. Some games are even advertised on the web - and come complete with all the comforts you'd expect at a casino.

But as far as police involvement, if no-one complains, its left under the radar. And most players prefer it that way

Article: Poker turns homes into minicasinos