The betting was low-stakes, but an Elks Club in Gambrills could lose its liquor license after police found a group of men playing Texas Hold ‘em poker in a back room of the lodge.

After receiving a tip about illegal gambling for at least the second time in a year, police officers entered the Bowie Elks Club on Defense Highway on Aug. 13 and found eight men around a casino-style poker table in a game room. Police seized about $400 in cash and notified the men that they could face criminal charges.

Such charges haven’t materialized, but the men – along with the leadership of the Elks Club – have been summoned to appear before the Anne Arundel County Liquor Board on Dec. 11 for gambling and illegal-conduct violations. An attorney representing the liquor board said the lodge could face a fine and suspension or revocation of its liquor license.

Despite its popularity, playing poker for money is against the law in Maryland. The same game that helped Severn accountant Steve Dannenmann win $4.25 million in 2005′s World Series of Poker has also resulted in raids and arrests across the state.

“Many people think if it’s a closed environment that it’s OK, when in fact it’s not,” said Sgt. Sara Schriver, a spokeswoman for the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

Click here to go to the article and read more.

Author Contact Info: Justin Fenton, Baltimore Sun