Poker Game Host Fights Back Against Police with Lawsuit Over ‘Unlawful’ Raid

Poker Game Host Fights Back Against Police with Lawsuit Over ‘Unlawful’ Raid

Summary

Gary Watts, a former Richland County coroner in South Carolina, was arrested in a 2024 raid on a home/office poker game. A court later ruled the games were not illegal and Watts has filed a lawsuit against the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Town of Irmo alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution and trespass. The raid also led to charges for others and a $15,000 cash seizure; police say they acted on a tip and enforcement of state gambling laws.

Key Points

• Watts was one of three arrested during a 2024 raid on alleged illegal poker games; seven others were charged and $15,000 seized.
• A 2025 court ruling found the games weren’t unlawful under state law, which lists prohibited locations but doesn’t mention an office suite.
• Watts’ lawsuit (filed 25 Aug 2025) accuses SLED and the Town of Irmo of false arrest, malicious prosecution and trespassing.
• Authorities say the raid followed months-long investigation and an informant tip; local police defended the action publicly.
• The town and SLED have responded cautiously, saying the courts should handle the matter or declining comment due to pending litigation.

Content Summary

Watts hosted regular poker games in an office building and maintains they were social gatherings among friends, not a commercial gambling operation. State gambling statutes prohibit certain venues (taverns, liquor stores, streets, racetracks) but do not explicitly ban play in an office suite. After the 2024 raid, Watts and others were charged; a later court decision found the games lawful.

Following the court ruling, Watts filed a civil suit in Richland County Common Pleas Court on 25 August 2025 seeking damages and alleging law-enforcement misconduct. The suit claims officers lacked a reasonable basis to arrest attendees. The Town of Irmo has said it will let the judicial process run its course; SLED has declined comment because litigation is pending.

Context and Relevance

This case sits at the intersection of local gambling law, policing practices and civil rights. For the poker community it highlights how ambiguous venue definitions in statutes can lead to contested enforcement. For the wider public, the suit could influence how police approaches to informal gambling gatherings are scrutinised and may affect future prosecutions or departmental policies.

Author’s note (punchy): this isn’t just a poker squabble — a county coroner arrested, a court overturning the basis of the arrests, and now civil claims against state law enforcement. The outcome could matter beyond the felt.

Why should I read this?

Short version: cops raided a friendly poker night, a court said the games weren’t illegal, and the host is now suing — could be a precedent for anyone who runs or attends home/office games. If you care about poker at home, policing overreach, or how laws get applied, this is worth a quick read.

Source

Source: https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/09/poker-game-raid-lawsuit-49641.htm