TodayPolice raid 'gambling' operations
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Article RatingState police say they have raided four "gambling events" at "licensed premises" -- places licensed to sell alcoholic beverages -- in the past month.
And one of those places was in Cumberland County, where $1,050 was seized by the state police's Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.
A state police news release says it was an illegal Texas Hold 'em event last Saturday, but they aren't providing details because no formal charges have been filed.
"No citation brought against the establishment yet," says the acting district commander, John E. Mathias, who adds that the investigation continues.
Other Texas Hold 'em raids last week netted $340 at an Adams County establishment and $2,755 at a Lancaster County establishment, police say. Earlier, police raided a Monte Carlo night with roulette, blackjack and so forth in Lebanon County.
Illegal gambling in Pennsylvania is defined by these characteristics:
* Is it a game of chance and not a game of skill?
* Must the player pay any fee or consideration to play?
* Is there a possibility of earning a monetary/prize reward as a result?
Police say it is illegal in Pennsylvania to conduct, operate or maintain gambling devices or events. This applies to pool-selling, bookmaking, illegal lotteries, electronic video gambling devices or events described as "Super Bowl" or "March Madness" pools and video slot/poker machines.
Establishments are subject to administrative charges against their liquor licenses, and the individuals responsible for maintaining the devices are subject to criminal charges, police say.
