9news.com
COLORADO SPRINGS - Law enforcement agents have arrested 25 people for taking part in what they describe as an illegal gambling ring. The raid happened Tuesday night at the Guadala Jarra Restaurant in Palmer Lake, about half way between Denver and Colorado Springs.
Authorities say the group was playing Texas Hold-em illegally. The card game is not illegal to play, but when you do it for money at a liquor establishment it is illegal. "There is a perception that these types of games may be legal. In fact they're not," says Matt Cook of the Department of Revenue, Liquor Enforcement Division. He says the restaurant is now the center of a criminal investigation. "It's an unregulated environment where there's some indication there may have been card cheating, professional cheating, marking of the cards that create an advantage for one player over another."
Jeff Hulsmann, the restaurant's owner is facing felony liquor gambling charges, but claims he did nothing wrong. "I think the government has decided to play David and Goliath and pick on a little place to make their point that they want these games to stop. And they picked an interesting guy to fight cause I'm ready to fight." While authorities say they'll continue to crack down on illegal card games, Hulsmann says he'll fight for what he feels is right. "We never did anything wrong. The game was a $15.00 game and that's all it is. Nobody's losing their house over this. I think the gaming people are trying to make a statement so they picked on somebody and they're trying to define the law."
The other 24 people arrested are facing misdemeanor gambling charges. Investigators also seized $3,000 in gambling money during the raid. The Guadala Jarra restaurant will remain open until the case is settled. If convicted of a felony, the owner will lose his liquor license. The raid was a result of a two-month undercover investigation.
COLORADO SPRINGS - Law enforcement agents have arrested 25 people for taking part in what they describe as an illegal gambling ring. The raid happened Tuesday night at the Guadala Jarra Restaurant in Palmer Lake, about half way between Denver and Colorado Springs.
Authorities say the group was playing Texas Hold-em illegally. The card game is not illegal to play, but when you do it for money at a liquor establishment it is illegal. "There is a perception that these types of games may be legal. In fact they're not," says Matt Cook of the Department of Revenue, Liquor Enforcement Division. He says the restaurant is now the center of a criminal investigation. "It's an unregulated environment where there's some indication there may have been card cheating, professional cheating, marking of the cards that create an advantage for one player over another."
Jeff Hulsmann, the restaurant's owner is facing felony liquor gambling charges, but claims he did nothing wrong. "I think the government has decided to play David and Goliath and pick on a little place to make their point that they want these games to stop. And they picked an interesting guy to fight cause I'm ready to fight." While authorities say they'll continue to crack down on illegal card games, Hulsmann says he'll fight for what he feels is right. "We never did anything wrong. The game was a $15.00 game and that's all it is. Nobody's losing their house over this. I think the gaming people are trying to make a statement so they picked on somebody and they're trying to define the law."
The other 24 people arrested are facing misdemeanor gambling charges. Investigators also seized $3,000 in gambling money during the raid. The Guadala Jarra restaurant will remain open until the case is settled. If convicted of a felony, the owner will lose his liquor license. The raid was a result of a two-month undercover investigation.
