Two poker tournament organizers arrested

Two organizers of a "Texas Hold 'em" poker tournament league have been arrested on charges of illegal gambling, state police said Thursday.

State police gaming investigators arrested Leslie Davidson on charges of gambling and money laundering during a raid Saturday at a Baton Rouge restaurant that was hosting a poker tournament, the agency said. About 100 players were present, but none were arrested since playing in the tournament was not a crime, state police said. State police stressed that Davidson had no affiliation with the restaurant.

During a search of Davidson's home, investigators discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and a revolver with a scratched-off serial numbers, troopers said. Davidson and his girlfriend, Donna Stewart, were charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

On Monday, Paul Dutsch was arrested at his home in Baton Rouge and booked on charges of gambling and money laundering, state police said.

State police said Davidson and Dutsch operated the Mighty River Poker League LLC, which offered memberships on a Web site. Players played for points in an attempt to win a seat at the 2005 World Series of Poker in New Orleans. For $25, players could buy into a cash prize pool at each tournament, state police said.

Poker tournaments at bars also have fallen under the scrutiny of state liquor regulators, who have questioned whether illegal gambling is involved. Although poker in Louisiana is legal if the "house" does not take a percentage of the pool, liquor regulators have said that the tournaments result in increased sales for bars hosting the events.

News Added: 17 March, 2005

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