The owner of the Jet Bar and Grill in Mill Creek was arrested last night, and faces accusations of operating gambling activity without a license. He was held briefly in the Snohomish County Jail before being released on his own remittance.
Susan Arland, a spokeswoman for the commission said that the case was unusual - “Illegal games were observed, and they were asked to stop. Most people will stop; they did not. [...] They did not have a gambling license, and the reason we regulate is we want to make sure it's run fair and honest.”
The investigation started after a tip in February 2006. Undercover agents visited another establishment owned by the man, 'The Jet Deck', located near Paine field, and saw the owner selling poker chips and holding games of Texas Holdem. An official called the owner to inform him that he was in violation of the gambling laws in the state. The owner asked if he could get permission to hold card games, and he was told that he could apply for a license.
A month later, the owner was given a verbal warning that if he continued to hold poker games, he would face arrest and possible felony charges. He closed the bar in Paine Field and opened one in Mill Creek.
Undercover agents visited the bar on November 26th, and saw the owner dealing a card game with around 10 players. The agent was told that the game was held every Monday night, and cost $20 to buy in to.
If he is convicted, he could face a $20,000 fine and 10 years in prison.
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