September 11, 2025

South Carolina Poker Player Sues After Arrest

Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Gary Watts, a poker player from South Carolina, is suing law enforcement after being arrested during a private game. He claims the arrest was improper, arguing that playing poker in a rented office space is legal under state law. The lawsuit seeks damages for the embarrassment and professional setbacks Watts faced after the incident. This case raises significant questions about the legality of private gaming in South Carolina and could influence future gambling regulations.

South Carolina Poker Player Files Lawsuit After Arrest in Irmo

IRMO, South Carolina — A local poker player is taking legal action after being arrested during a private game, claiming that law enforcement improperly targeted him and others. The lawsuit challenges the legality of private poker games held in rented office spaces, arguing that current laws do not prohibit such activities when not conducted in traditionally illegal venues.

Background of the Incident

The arrest occurred last year when law enforcement officials from Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) executed an operation at an office suite where a group of individuals was playing poker. An informant, who wore a wire, provided recorded evidence used to justify the arrest of ten participants, including Gary Watts, the lead plaintiff in the case. Watts contends that the law enforcement officers acted unlawfully during the operation, which resulted in his detention and subsequent charges that were later dropped.

Legal Claims and Allegations

Gary Watts’s lawsuit asserts that the players were engaged in a lawful activity, citing a prior court opinion by a South Carolina judge that indicated playing poker in a rented office space is not illegal under state law. The complaint emphasizes that South Carolina laws primarily restrict gambling activities in places such as taverns or barns, not in privately rented offices used for social gaming.

Watts accuses law enforcement officials of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing, arguing that their actions were not justified and that their aggressive approach was unnecessary. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages, which Watts claims are warranted due to the embarrassment and professional setbacks he experienced following the arrest.

Law Enforcement Response and Legal Context

Legal authorities involved in the incident maintain that their actions were lawful and appropriate. The Irmo Police Department and SLED have not yet provided detailed responses to the lawsuit. However, a recent judicial opinion from Judge Thomas “Billy” McGee highlighted the outdated nature of South Carolina’s gambling laws, suggesting that such laws ought to be revisited to better reflect modern realities.

Impacts on Gary Watts and Broader Implications

The arrest and subsequent legal fight have had tangible consequences for Watts, who previously held professional roles including positions within the South Carolina Coroners Association. Following the incident, Watts lost opportunities and faced personal embarrassment.

The outcome of this lawsuit could impact future interpretations of private gaming in South Carolina, potentially leading to clearer legal standards regarding lawful social poker games. The case raises questions about the application of gambling laws in private versus commercial settings and could serve as a precedent for similar cases across the state.

Summary

In essence, the lawsuit filed by Gary Watts challenges what he claims to be improper law enforcement actions during a private poker game. It emphasizes that playing poker in a rented office does not violate state law, as supported by prior judicial opinions, and raises broader issues about the adequacy and modernization of gambling regulations in South Carolina.

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). 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 Beaufort 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.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). 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 Beaufort 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.

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