Poker in the House is Big Business

Filed in archive Poker on January 30, 2006

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