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