Illegal Poker Room In Evansville Leads To Two Arrests

Edward Hill and Mark Nicholas Edge were arrested on charges of operating an illegal poker room in Evansville, which had been functioning for almost a year.

Edge, hailing from Owensboro, Kentucky, is being charged with felony due to his participation in the illicit poker room. He was arrested by the authorities on March 22 and subsequently incarcerated in Vanderburgh County Jail.

Edge was released from jail on bond, and a week earlier, Hill was also released on bond after his arrest.

Poker operations run clandestinely are unlawful, and no casinos in Indiana approve or regulate them.

Illegal poker room busted

The Indiana Gaming Commission initially probed both suspects for their involvement in the illicit poker house after receiving information from a confidential source. The commission then collaborated with the Indiana State Police to carry out a search warrant.

On April 5, 2022, a police search of an office space on Weinbach Avenue revealed two separate tables hosting poker games, each with its own dealer. The location was occupied by a total of 16 players.

The Owensboro Times reported that a confidential informant disclosed to the Indiana Gaming Commission that Hill managed the poker room, while Edge served as the chief dealer and the manager of the establishment. The poker room was operational during Monday to Friday evenings and some afternoons from July 2021 to April 2022.

Upon executing the search warrant, the police discovered $9,240 at the establishment. In addition, a search of Hill's residence yielded an additional $13,182.

It is alleged that Hill and Edge transitioned from a separate illegal poker operation in 2021 to start their own. They established a profit division in which Hill took 75%, leaving Edge with the remaining 25%. Additionally, Edge is accused of retaining all the tips from dealing games.

The two men are facing felony charges for their involvement in corrupt business influence, professional gambling, and the promotion of professional gambling.

The issue with unlawful gambling establishments in Indiana

Illegal gambling establishments, such as the poker house operated by Edge and Hill, are prevalent issues not only in Indiana but also nationwide.

In the past, Indiana legislators, specifically Sen. Michael Young, R-Indianapolis, and former Republican Sen. Philip Boots, took note of the issue. They joined forces in 2020 to write a bill to decriminalize and regulate these private poker rooms, referring to them as “private low-stakes card games.”

Senate Bill 434, which hasn’t been brought before a committee since 2020, remains significant to certain lawmakers who are intent on tackling the issue of illegal gambling dens. There’s an underlying worry that these illicit establishments provide a conducive environment for the proliferation of organized crime, which in turn adversely affects the communities where they are located.

The enactment of laws such as SB 434, which decriminalizes and controls small stakes poker rooms, could significantly contribute to enhancing community safety. Moreover, the state could also benefit from the tax revenue collected from these regulated establishments.

Currently, Indiana lawmakers have yet to resolve the issue of illegal gambling. These spaces will persist in operation across the Hoosier State until they are prioritized.