September 11, 2025

Poker Player Files Lawsuit Against Law Enforcement in Irmo

Irmo, South Carolina, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Gary Watts has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and SLED, alleging unlawful arrest during a private poker game. The case questions the legality of poker games in South Carolina, as Watts argues that his arrest was based on a misinterpretation of state laws. He claims damages for false arrest and malicious prosecution, raising significant legal and cultural implications for private gaming in the state.

Irmo, South Carolina – Poker Player Files Legal Action Against Law Enforcement

A South Carolina man, Gary Watts, has filed a lawsuit against the Irmo Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), alleging unlawful arrest related to a private poker game. Watts’s legal challenge raises questions about the legality of playing poker in private settings under South Carolina law.

Details of the Arrest

The incident took place last year when law enforcement officials executed an arrest following information obtained through an informant. The informant wore a wire, recording conversations during a poker game held in a rented office suite. Watts and ten other participants were involved in this private game at the time of the arrest. After law enforcement actions, Watts was detained and charged, although the charges were subsequently dropped.

Legal Basis of the Lawsuit

In his lawsuit, Watts contends that the arrest was unlawful because playing poker in a rented office space is not illegal under South Carolina law. He references a prior opinion by the state courts that clarified illegal gambling activities are limited to locations such as taverns and barns, not private office rentals. This legal interpretation forms a central part of Watts’s argument that his arrest was based on misunderstanding or misapplication of current laws.

Claims Against Law Enforcement

Watts is accusing the Irmo Police and SLED officials of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and trespassing. He claims that law enforcement officers acted improperly and unnecessarily aggressively during the incident. The lawsuit describes the officers as “a crack team of gumshoes,” criticizing their conduct as excessive given the circumstances.

Legal and Personal Impacts

Following the arrest, Watts faced personal and professional setbacks. He lost positions he held with organizations such as the South Carolina Coroners Association. The lawsuit states that Watts has suffered embarrassment, damage to his reputation, and loss of professional opportunities as a result of the incident and subsequent legal actions.

Legal Proceedings and Lawsuit Goals

Watts is seeking a jury trial and is pursuing damages, though the amount remains unspecified. His legal filing emphasizes his view that his right to participate in a social game of poker was infringed upon improperly. The case raises the potential to influence future interpretations of South Carolina’s gambling laws regarding private poker games.

Law Enforcement Response and Broader Context

The Irmo Police Department and SLED have maintained that their actions were lawful and justified. They have not publicly responded in detail to the lawsuit. Recent judicial opinions, including one from Judge Thomas “Billy” McGee, have indicated that South Carolina’s gambling regulations are outdated and do not reflect the realities of modern social gaming. This judicial perspective could have implications for ongoing legal debates surrounding private poker games in the state.

Potential Legal and Cultural Impact

The outcome of Watts’s lawsuit could set a significant precedent for private poker activities in South Carolina. As gambling laws are scrutinized and modernized, cases like this highlight the importance of clear legal standards and the potential for misinterpretation by law enforcement authorities.

Conclusion

Gary Watts’s legal action underscores ongoing tensions between traditional gambling laws and modern social gaming practices. His challenge to law enforcement actions calls for further legal clarification on what constitutes lawful private gaming under South Carolina law, with the case likely to influence future legislative and judicial decisions in the state.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort 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 RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Stay Connected

More Updates

Illustration showing the influence of behavioral economics on digital marketing strategies.

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit