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Read Full BioWhile the bids to bring a casino to Manhattan were all rejected, poker players can still gamble in New York City with underground clubs essentially “hiding in plain sight.”
An investigation from PokerScout revealed how easily players can get involved in games at businesses that advertise openly through Reddit and Google Maps.
Two clubs, Social Poker NYC and Fish Tank Poker NYC, both have active websites and social media accounts promoting poker in Manhattan.
The clubs promise “low fees” and “hot action,” making contact with potential players online. Players are then sent a photo of a nondescript gray door showing a buzzer to press for entry to the games.
While players can quickly get involved in high-stakes contests, PokerScout reporter Mo Nuwwarah warns that you may not be able to get out with winnings intact.
After playing at a club assumed to be Social Poker NYC, he stated, “Though stocked with some of the worst players I’ve ever seen in real-money poker, these games are probably not beatable.”
Upon attempting to leave in profit, his underground accomplice was stopped and accused of “hitting and running”. Not wanting to get involved in conflict at an illegal New York cardroom, he played on and was allowed to leave with a small loss after a bad beat.
Underground Networks Thrive Due to Lack of Legal Options
Nuwwarah does not recommend these “shady semi-underground rooms” with a lack of regulatory oversight. But when faced with a lack of legal alternatives, players will turn to illegal options.
Illegal poker rooms also appear to be common in neighboring New Jersey. New Jersey Councilman Amand Shah is facing 18 charges for his involvement in running illegal poker rooms in conjunction with the Lucchese Crime Family. Shah denies the charges and is expected to plead not guilty in court next week.
There is no indication that the poker rooms located in Manhattan are part of the same network. Where legal options do not exist, underground businesses will thrive.
Casino Proposals Shot Down
Poker players in the city cannot expect legal games anytime soon, after all the Manhattan proposals for a new casino license were rejected. In addition, MGM’s shocking late withdrawal means there are now only three bids left for the three state licenses.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, a strong supporter of MGM’s bid, called for an independent investigation into the late decision to withdraw. He said that the big winner is Bally’s bid in the Bronx and suggested that Donald Trump influenced the decision.
He said that “it’s no big secret” that if Bally’s wins, it will pay $115 million to Trump as part of the purchase deal for the casino site. The Bally’s casino is located on the site of the former Trump Golf Links course.
In addition to the Bally’s bid, the other remaining proposals are both in Queens, at Metropolitan Park, and an upgrade of Resorts World’s racino. That leaves poker players in the city still searching behind gray doors for underground games.
