September 11, 2025

Legal Challenge Over Private Poker Game Leads to Lawsuit in Irmo

Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Gary Watts, a poker player in South Carolina, is suing the Irmo Police Department and SLED after being arrested during a private poker game. He alleges unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution, arguing that playing poker privately does not violate state law. The case raises significant questions about South Carolina’s outdated gambling laws and the legality of private gaming activities.

Irmo, South Carolina – Legal Challenge Over Private Poker Game Leads to Lawsuit

A South Carolina _poker player_ is challenging local law enforcement actions after being arrested during a private poker game in Irmo. Gary Watts, the individual involved, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), alleging unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing. The case raises questions about the legality of playing privately held poker games under current South Carolina laws.

Details of the Arrest and Legal Complaint

Watts and nine other individuals were playing poker in a rented office suite when law enforcement officers arrived to make arrests last year. The officers reportedly used a confidential informant who wore a wire to record conversations during the game, which law enforcement officials claim justified their actions. However, Watts’ lawsuit contends that this approach was unnecessary and unlawful, emphasizing that playing poker in a rented office space does not violate South Carolina law.

The legal basis for Watts’ claim hinges on a prior opinion issued by a state judge, which indicated that hosting poker in a rented office is not illegal. The lawsuit argues that the arrest was made under a misinterpretation or misapplication of existing laws, as the law specifically criminalizes illegal venues such as taverns and barns, not private office spaces.

Legal and Procedural Allegations

Watts alleges that law enforcement officers involved in his arrest acted with undue aggression and improperly classified the game as illegal. The lawsuit describes the officers as “a crack team of gumshoes” who exceeded the necessary scope of law enforcement authority. He accuses officers and SLED personnel of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing on private property.

Following the legal action, Watts is seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages, claiming the incident caused him personal and professional harm, including embarrassment and the loss of career opportunities. Prior to the arrest, Watts held positions with the South Carolina Coroners Association and other professional organizations, which he claims were negatively impacted by the incident.

Legal Context and State of the Law

The controversy over the case comes at a time when South Carolina’s gambling laws are viewed by some legal experts as outdated. A recent judicial opinion from Judge Thomas “Billy” McGee noted that laws regulating gambling may not align with modern social practices and business models, stressing that outdated statutes should not restrict activities like private poker games.

The arrest and subsequent lawsuit are part of a wider debate about the scope of gambling laws in South Carolina. While law enforcement agencies maintain that their actions were lawful, they have yet to provide detailed responses to the lawsuit, which challenges their interpretation of the law.

Potential Implications and Future Outcomes

The resolution of Watts’ lawsuit could have significant implications for private gaming activities within the state. If successful, it may establish a legal precedent that protects private poker games held in rented or private units, provided they do not involve illegal gambling activities such as betting on sporting events or involving minors.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement efforts to regulate gambling and an evolving understanding of social gaming practices. As the legal process continues, the outcome may influence future policy discussions and potential legislative reforms related to private gaming in South Carolina.

Current Status and Next Steps

Law enforcement officials involved in the arrest have defended their actions as lawful, but have not yet commented further on the lawsuit. Watts’ legal team is pursuing the case actively, and a court date has yet to be scheduled. The lawsuit stands as a notable example of ongoing legal disputes over what constitutes lawful private gaming activities under South Carolina law.

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Author: HERE Greenwood

The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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