A Michigan man has been sentenced to one year of probation for illegal gambling operations. Joshua T. Thatcher, 42, was charged in May 2022 for running an illegal poker room named 906 Poker Social located in Marquette.
Poker Room Only Operated for 3 Months
906 Poker Social opened in April 2021 and operated as a poker club, charging its players a membership fee. Thatcher, a former poker pro, was confident the room was operating within the law as it did not collect any rake. The venue was located in a commercial building and completely visible to the public, with posters, signage, and security cameras.
However, after three months of operations, Michigan officials closed 906 Poker Social, with Thatcher subsequently charged with one felony count of Gambling Operations to which he pleaded guilty in December 2022. The other charges filed against him were eventually dismissed following his guilty plea.
As part of his plea agreement, Thatcher forfeited all items confiscated from his poker room as well as money and cash linked to the room’s operations.
Complicated Laws
Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, said they are committed to ensuring fair and honest gaming in Michigan and eliminating illegal gaming activities across the state.
Small poker rooms in Michigan face an uncertain future due to unclear laws, similar to that in Texas.
