Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Gary Watts has filed a lawsuit against law enforcement in South Carolina after being arrested during a private poker game. The lawsuit, which claims false arrest and malicious prosecution, challenges the legality of the police actions, arguing that private poker games in a rented setting should not be illegal. The implications of this case could set a precedent for gambling law interpretation in the state.
Irmo, South Carolina — Poker Player Files Lawsuit Against Law Enforcement Over Arrest
A South Carolina poker player has initiated a legal challenge against local police and the state’s law enforcement division following his arrest during a private poker game. The lawsuit aims to clarify the legality of playing poker in private settings, arguing that the law enforcement agencies acted unlawfully in their recent actions.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Claims
Gary Watts, a seasoned poker player from Irmo, alleges that he was unlawfully detained along with ten other individuals during a private poker game held in a rented office space last year. According to Watts, law enforcement officials, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Irmo Police, used an informant who wore a wire to record the game, leading to the arrests.
Watts and his co-players contend that their activities did not violate current South Carolina laws because they took place in a rented office suite, which, according to their legal interpretation, is not among the locations deemed illegal for poker games under state law. The lawsuit underscores a prior judicial opinion suggesting that hosting poker in a rented office setting is lawful, challenging the authorities’ rationale for the arrests.
Legal Foundations and Allegations
The lawsuit claims that the police and SLED engaged in false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing, asserting that their actions were unjustified and based on outdated or misinterpreted laws. Watts is seeking a jury trial and damages for the embarrassment and professional setbacks he experienced following the arrest.
His legal complaint also criticizes the manner of law enforcement’s conduct, describing the officers involved as a “crack team of gumshoes” who acted in an unnecessarily aggressive manner during the incident.
Impact on Watts’ Professional Life
Prior to the arrest, Watts held several professional roles, including positions with the South Carolina Coroners Association. However, following the incident, he reported losing these opportunities, citing the arrest and subsequent fallout as contributing factors to his professional decline.
State Law and Judicial Opinions
The charges against Watts were later dropped after a judge’s ruling that playing poker in a rented office space is not illegal under South Carolina law. The case brought attention to the broader issue of outdated gambling statutes that may not reflect current social practices.
Recent judicial remarks have acknowledged that South Carolina’s gambling laws have become antiquated and should be reevaluated to align with present-day activities and norms.
Official Responses and Potential Legal Precedent
The Irmo Police Department and SLED have maintained that their actions were lawful and appropriate, although they have yet to issue detailed responses to Watts’ lawsuit.
The outcome of this legal action could set an important precedent in South Carolina regarding the legality of private poker games. If the court rules in favor of Watts, it may lead to further clarification of what constitutes lawful recreational gambling in private settings under state law.
Summary
In summary, Gary Watts’ lawsuit highlights ongoing debates over the enforcement of gambling laws in South Carolina. His case challenges law enforcement actions on the basis of legal interpretations and aims to protect the rights of individuals engaging in social gaming activities in private spaces. The case remains ongoing, with broader implications for gambling regulation in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: South Carolina News
- WLTX: Big Lottery Win in Poker Night Game
- WACH: New Bill for Casino Gambling in SC
- WYFF: SC Poker Player Wins Scratch Off
- SC Daily Gazette: Against Online Betting and Casinos
- Wikipedia: Gambling in the United States
- Google Search: Poker Laws in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Poker Game Laws in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gambling
- Google News: South Carolina Poker Laws
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence 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 Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. 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.
