Men Appeal Convictions From SC Poker Raid

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (AP) - An attorney for five South Carolina men appealing gambling convictions says a state gambling law is ill-defined.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that attorney Jeff Phillips told a judge hearing the appeal Tuesday that current law makes it impossible for anyone to know if they are breaking the vague law.

Phillips’ clients were arrested after a 2006 raid on a Mount Pleasant poker game. Organizers said the casual game was just among friends, but prosecutors saw it as a for-profit gambling operation.

Earlier this year, a municipal court judge agreed with the players’ argument that the Texas Hold ‘em poker game hinges on skill, but still found them guilty of illegal gambling.

Circuit Court Judge Markley Dennis will rule on the appeal later.