NYC's Vice Squad

New York City cracked down last week and shuttered two of the more popular card rooms, 72nd Street and PlayStation.
Links to the story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/28/nyregion/28poker.html?
http://www.nynewsday.com/news/nyc-poke0528,0,4152415.story?coll=nyc-homepage-breaking2
Players were not arrested, but IDs were checked.
I played at PlayStation, though I wasn't there when the bust happened.

PlayStation was a fun, safe environment in which to play cards. Players were treated fairly and with respect; there was security; the games were on the level; and the fees were appropriate (time charge of $5 per 1/2 hour for 10/20 limit, which is exactly what you pay in Atlantic City).
In addition, no alcohol was allowed. Men and women of all ages (all over 21, at least to my eye) and races played there, and I never witnessed any physical confrontation. All in all, it was a very nice place to play cards, with free soda and cookies, and a waitress who would order food for you if you were hungry.

Closing these rooms is more than silly. Not only were these rooms incorporated (tax-paying) businesses -- with employees who are now out of work -- they were also a positive social outlet for hundreds of people.

I've already found a new poker club in which to play. I'm sure others have as well. And, many folks will now play more online poker. Oh, online poker does not benefit the city or state of New York at all. No taxes are paid, no jobs filled. I play online, and I like it, but I prefer the card room experience. Now, to get that, more folks will have to go to Atlantic City and Foxwoods (in New Jersey and Connecticut).

Good job, New York. You put some people out of work, you've cost yourself income from taxes on incorporated businesses (businesses that were also paying rent, payroll, and more), and you've driven your citizens to go online or out of state to play poker, a game of skill.

It is not illegal in New York to play poker. The time has come for legal poker rooms in New York City. Not only would such a room generate revenue in taxes collected, it also creates jobs.

In this day and age --- isn't it ridiculous to NOT have legal card rooms in Manhattan?