Gary Miller Watts, a former county coroner with two decades of service until 2020, has initiated legal action against his local police department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). His lawsuit comes in the aftermath of his 2024 arrest during a police raid on what authorities labeled an illegal underground poker game.
In the spring of last year, Watts was apprehended during a raid on a rented office space in Irmo. He was among eleven individuals detained, including his son, Adam. Law enforcement officials seized more than $15,000 in cash, justifying the raid by claiming that the event constituted illegal gambling, as the organizers collected a rake from the games. Charges against Watts were eventually dropped.
The lawsuit filed by Watts contests that it was not he who violated the law but rather the Irmo police and SLED. His legal representatives argue that hosting a poker game among friends in a rented office does not contravene any legal statute. With uncharacteristic sarcasm for a legal document, the lawsuit criticizes the law enforcement officers for their dramatic entry, describing them as “a crack team of gumshoes” who stormed in “like SEAL Team 6” to arrest what it calls a peaceful “group of friends who routinely gather in an office suite to play poker, have dinner, and share fellowship.”
Central to Watts’ complaint is the assertion that South Carolina’s anti-poker legislation only bans poker games in specific settings such as taverns, inns, liquor stores, barns, kitchens, stables, outhouses, streets, highways, open woods, and racetracks. Hence, the suit suggests that poker itself isn’t illegal unless played in one of those specified locations.
Speaking to The State newspaper, Watts expressed his belief that their activities were lawful, based on his interpretation of the legal framework. He explained that the individuals involved were mostly local professionals, and compared to the high-stakes nature of casino poker, their games were modest. Watts emphasized that everyone played within their means and no one incurred any harm from participating.
In defending poker as a beneficial activity, Watts highlighted its mental and social benefits, particularly as he nears the age of 70. He explained that while he no longer participates in physically demanding sports like basketball or football, poker keeps his mind active, promotes friendly rivalry, and offers valuable social engagement. He mentioned that many in his poker group, including doctors and professors, have been companions for over 40 years.
The lawsuit details how Watts faced embarrassment, legal costs due to the criminal charges, and a loss of professional opportunities stemming from the arrest’s impact on his reputation. He is pursuing compensation for the damages incurred.
The broader context of this legal battle touches on the ongoing debate regarding gambling legislation in South Carolina. The state has historically maintained stringent anti-gambling laws, which some argue are outdated and overly restrictive. Opponents of these laws believe they need re-evaluation to distinguish between casual social gatherings and genuine illegal gambling operations. This case could potentially serve as a precedent for how similar incidents are handled, highlighting the need for clarity in state gambling laws.
On the other hand, supporters of the current legislation argue that strict laws are necessary to prevent the proliferation of gambling-related issues within the community. They contend that any leniency could lead to unchecked gambling, potentially resulting in social and economic problems.
The dispute also raises questions about the allocation of law enforcement resources. Critics of the raid suggest that deploying a tactical team for a poker game among friends was an unnecessary use of force and resources. They argue that such actions reflect a misinterpretation of the law rather than a genuine effort to maintain public order.
In response to these criticisms, proponents of the police action maintain that law enforcement must act decisively when addressing potential illegal activities. They suggest that without strict enforcement, even seemingly harmless activities could escalate into more significant legal and social issues.
This lawsuit emerges as part of a broader conversation around the role of law enforcement, the interpretation of gambling laws, and the balance between individual freedoms and community protection. As South Carolina grapples with these issues, the outcome of Watts’ legal challenge could have far-reaching implications for both legislative reform and law enforcement practices within the state.
Overall, the case underlines the complexity of regulating gambling activities and the challenges of ensuring that laws keep pace with societal changes. As the legal proceedings unfold, observers will watch closely to see if the case prompts reconsideration of South Carolina’s gambling statutes and their application in similar contexts.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
