Michigan’s pro poker player pleads guilty to operating illegal poker room

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Professional poker player Joshua T. Thatcher pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal poker room in Michigan and was sentenced to 12 months probation.

As part of his plea agreement, Thatcher agreed to forfeit six poker tables, more than $13,000 in cash, and other funds held in associated bank accounts to the State of Michigan in exchange for a reduced sentence.

The illegal poker room — called “906 Poker Social” — was located at 1200 S. Front St., Marquette, Michigan. Opening on April 1, 2021, and closing on July 8, 2021, the club operated for just over 3 months.

Thatcher widely advertised 906 Poker Social in the media as a “private membership club.” He claimed that the members gambled against each other, which made the club exempt from the jurisdiction of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

Thatcher charged members a fee based on the length of their membership — weekly, monthly, or yearly — and an additional $10 per hour for chair rental. The 906 Poker Social primarily offered poker games, though it also provided other games.

Michigan officials’ responses

According to MGCB executive director Henry Williams, Michigan residents do not receive the same level of protection from unregulated gambling operations as they do from legal and regulated gambling.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s mission is to ensure fair and honest gaming in Michigan, and we partner with the Michigan Department of Attorney General to investigate and eliminate illegal gaming activities across the state,” he said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized that her office remains dedicated to maintaining adherence to business rules and regulations.

“My office remains committed to upholding business rules and regulations, and that includes our state’s gambling laws.”

Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

In May 2022, Thatcher faced five additional felony charges. However, those charges were later dismissed.

Michigan allows various forms of gambling through a regulated licensing system. In 2022, the state’s online casino gaming and sports betting operators saw a 41% increase in gross receipts, reaching a total of $1.98 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in 2021.