California DA Drops Poker Case

In August three men from the Murphy's Hotel were arrested after a two-month undercover sting operation by law enforcement and California state agents. The charge? Illegal gambling. While playing Texas Holdem, the persons arrested - including Murphy's Hotel owner Dorian Faught - were shocked when police stormed the game, snatching up cash, cards, and chips. According to CA state law, gambling for money must be done in a legalized gambling establishment, such as a casino. Faught, who said he never felt like a criminal, was relieved when the county prosecutor announced that he and the others were cleared of charges. They were warned, however, that anyone conducting poker games without a license in the future would be prosecuted. Had Faught been convicted, he could have faced $10,000 in fines and a year in county jail.