September 11, 2025

Lawsuit Filed Over Unlawful Poker Game Arrest in Irmo

Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Gary Watts has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and SLED following his arrest during a private poker game. He claims the arrest was unlawful, as the game took place in a rented office space which he argues is legal under state law. Watts seeks damages for the impact of the arrest on his professional life, asserting the aggressive actions of law enforcement were unwarranted.

Irmo, South Carolina – Gary Watts, a poker player from South Carolina, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) following his arrest during a private poker game last year. Watts argues that the arrest of him and ten others was unlawful, as it occurred during a game in a rented office space, an environment he claims is not prohibited by state law.

The incident took place when law enforcement utilized an informant equipped with a recording device to document the card players. Despite the charges brought against Watts and his companions, they were dropped after a judge ruled earlier this year that playing poker in a rented office is legal. This ruling aligns with a previous opinion from a state judge affirming that such games do not violate South Carolina’s gambling regulations.

In his lawsuit, Watts asserts claims of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing against both Irmo Police and SLED. He seeks a jury trial alongside unspecified damages for embarrassment and professional setbacks attributed to the arrest, affecting his work with the South Carolina Coroners Association and potentially others in his field.

Watts’ complaint offers a scathing critique of the law enforcement officials involved, labeling their actions as excessively aggressive and uncalled for. He emphasizes the social nature of poker, describing it as a harmless recreational activity that should not be subject to unnecessary legal scrutiny.

Prior to his arrest, Watts held professional roles that he has since lost due to the negative repercussions stemming from the incident. The dismissal of charges against him was celebrated as a validation of the legal standing for private poker games in the state. According to Watts’ interpretation, South Carolina’s gambling legislation specifies illegal gambling locations, such as taverns and barns, but does not include rented office spaces.

The ongoing lawsuit could potentially shape the future face of gambling laws in South Carolina, as a recent opinion from Judge Thomas “Billy” McGee reiterated concerns about the obsolescence of the state’s gambling regulations and suggested a need for modernization to reflect current practices and societal attitudes.

As of now, both Irmo Police and SLED have maintained that their operations were legally justified during the bust, although they have not provided an extensive response to Watts’ lawsuit. The outcome of this legal battle might set a significant precedent regarding the permissibility of private poker games across South Carolina, influencing how law enforcement may approach similar situations in the future.

This case highlights broader discussions about gambling legislation not only within South Carolina but also across various states, where attempts to balance law enforcement with personal freedoms and social games like poker continue to provoke debate. As the legal proceedings unfold, both sides anticipate the impact of the ruling, with Watts standing firmly on the belief that poker should remain an accepted pastime within private settings.

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