Police Raid Sophisticated Illegal Warehouse Casino

The police recently raided an illegal casino site located in a dusty warehouse in Port Richmond, confiscating thousands of dollars and illegal gambling equipment.

The casino was officially closed on Thursday night, after the police raided the casino and arrested five employees: Mr.X, 31, of North Wales; Brett Millman, 43, of Conshohocken; Michael Desiderio, 34, of South Philadelphia; William Holsworth, 27, of Delran, N.J.; and Milton Martelack, 35, of Holmesburg.

Mr.X, who works in the computer field by day, identified himself as the casino manager. Martelack was the doorman, and Desiderio, and Holsworth, who work in computers and sales, respectively, were dealers. Millman was also a dealer.

None of the four arrested casino workers had criminal records, and none had ever worked in a licensed casino. The men will be charged with misdemeanor gambling charges. The police expect to arrest another five or so employees of the casino in the near future.

Around 25 patrons were found gambling in the casino at the time of the raid. They were questioned, but not charged with a crime. Gambling is legal in Pennsylvania; the breach of the law comes in only when operating a gambling establishment for a profit.

Unlike most illegal casinos, this casino was elaborately planned and executed. The casino, which was called the “Philadelphia Players Club,” catered to private parties like bachelors’ parties. It featured a lounge with sofas and a big- screen television. The casino advertised on the internet, offering itself as an alternative to a trip to Atlantic City. And, although it did not have a sign, neon red footsteps illuminated the path to its entrance.

The casino was equally impressive on the inside. Surveillance cameras made it possible to watch patrons closely, and a sophisticated computer system tracked their gambling activities. An ATM was available, and there were pool tables and a bar, although only one six- pack per gambler was permitted.

The dealers temporarily stored bets in holes in nine gambling tables. Every so often, manager collected the cash and stored it in safes.

"It was a pretty elaborate, well-run operation," said a police spokesman.

The police discovered the operation in November, after tips from concerned citizens. They infiltrated the casino by befriending its employees.

The police hope that the raid will help the community understand that this type of gambling is illegal, and will be prosecuted: "This [raid and arrests] is sending a strong message to the community that gambling in this form is illegal," said Capt. Benjamin Naish, a spokesman for the Port Richmond police department.

Sgt. Joe Lanciano, who is a 14- year veteran of the vice squad, said, "You always have people playing card games, but I've never seen anything this big."

Police Raid Sophisticated Illegal Warehouse Casino

The police recently raided an illegal casino site located in a dusty warehouse in Port Richmond, confiscating thousands of dollars and illegal gambling equipment.

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