Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Gary Watts, a local poker player from Irmo, South Carolina, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police and SLED, alleging unlawful arrest during a private poker game. The operation involved an informant who recorded the game, leading to arrests. Watts argues that playing in a rented office is legal, as a previous court ruling supports his position. He seeks damages and a jury trial, claiming the incident harmed his professional reputation.
Irmo, South Carolina – Gary Watts, a local poker player, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), claiming the agencies unlawfully arrested him and ten others during a private poker game held in a rented office suite. The incident, which occurred last year, has ignited a legal debate over the legitimacy of private poker games in South Carolina.
The arrest was conducted following an operation where law enforcement reportedly utilized an informant equipped with a hidden recording device. This informant attended the poker game and recorded conversations among the players, leading to their subsequent arrests. In his lawsuit, Watts contends that the state law explicitly defines illegal gambling locations as certain public spaces, such as taverns and barns, and does not categorize a rented office area as unlawful for hosting poker games.
Watts’ argument is bolstered by a prior ruling from a state judge who stated that poker games conducted in a rented office are permissible under South Carolina law. He has accused the police and SLED of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing, seeking both a jury trial and unspecified damages. Watts also claims that the arrest caused him personal embarrassment and resulted in the loss of professional opportunities, notably within the South Carolina Coroners Association.
In his filing, Watts criticizes the law enforcement officers involved in the operation, describing them as “a crack team of gumshoes” who acted with unnecessary aggression. His lawsuit emphasizes the social value of poker, arguing that it is a harmless activity and a legitimate form of leisure.
Before the arrest, Watts had been working in professional roles, but he asserts that his career suffered severely due to the incident. The charges against him were dropped after the judge’s decision regarding the legality of playing poker in an office setting, but the aftermath of the arrest left a mark on his reputation.
Both Irmo Police and SLED have stated that their actions adhered to legal statutes and have not offered detailed responses to the lawsuit. As the case progresses, the potential ramifications could redefine the understanding of gambling laws in South Carolina, particularly as a recent opinion from Judge Thomas “Billy” McGee suggested that existing laws are outdated and not reflective of contemporary practices.
The outcome of Watts’ legal battle may establish a critical precedent for the status of private poker games within the state, impacting not only individuals but also the broader community engaged in similar recreational activities.
Background and Legal Implications
There is a growing discourse surrounding gambling regulations in South Carolina, particularly as residents like Watts advocate for clarity and modernization of laws surrounding private gambling. This case could draw attention to the need for legal reform as traditional views on gambling are increasingly challenged by social norms and the emergence of new forms of entertainment.
Conclusion
The legal decision in Gary Watts’ case could alter the landscape of private gaming in South Carolina. With public and legal scrutiny on this topic, its outcome is awaited by many stakeholders involved.
FAQ
What prompted Gary Watts to sue the Irmo Police and SLED?
Gary Watts is suing due to what he claims is an unlawful arrest during a private poker game held in a rented office space.
What are the specific charges against Gary Watts?
Watts is facing allegations of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing stemming from the incident.
What is the significance of the prior judge’s ruling in Watts’ favor?
The ruling indicated that playing poker in a rented office is legal under South Carolina law, supporting Watts’ claims regarding the legality of his game.
What does Watts hope to achieve with his lawsuit?
He is seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages, as well as a legal clarification on the status of private poker games in the state.
How could this lawsuit impact gambling regulations in South Carolina?
The outcome may lead to significant changes in the laws governing private poker games and gambling activities in South Carolina.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Challenge | Watts sues for unlawful arrest during a private poker game. |
| Arrest Circumstances | Operation involved an informant wearing a recording device. |
| Legal Basis | Claims that rented office spaces are not illegal gambling locations. |
| Profession Impact | Watts lost job opportunities due to the arrest. |
| Potential Precedent | Could redefine legality of private poker games in South Carolina. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: South Carolina News
- WLTX: Big Lottery Win in Poker Night Game
- WACH: New Bill for Casino Gambling in SC
- WYFF: SC Poker Player Wins Scratch Off
- SC Daily Gazette: Against Online Betting and Casinos
- Wikipedia: Gambling in the United States
- Google Search: Poker Laws in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Poker Game Laws in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gambling
- Google News: South Carolina Poker Laws
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
