The Top Shelf Poker Room, a social poker club in the city of Flint, Texas, near Tyler, has been ordered to close by local authorities who allege the room is in violation of Texas's gambling laws.
Top Shelf Poker was raided by Smith County sheriff's deputies at approximately 11:45 pm on Thursday nights, following several months of investigative work, including officers going undercover and playing in the room. During the raid, the officers confiscated computer equipment, gaming equipment, business ledgers, and an unspecified amount of cash, including from players who were in attendance.
The Smith County Sheriff's Office also issued the order to the club to cease operations. Top Shelf Poker Room faces two different gambling-related charges. According to local reports, the room's owners are alleged to be gambling as well as promoting gambling, a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties if found guilty on that charge include "up to one year in the county jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000, or up to two years community supervision (probation), or three years with an extension."
The second charge is more serious, a count of "Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity." That felony charge can carry a sentence of between six months and two years and include a fine of up to 10,000.
