7 arrested after police raid alleged gambling houses

Police have charged seven people with "keeping a common gaming house," after raiding several suspected illegal gambling operations in Mississauga.

In total, four businesses were raided this month and 83 people arrested, including the seven charged -- but police decided not to lay any charges against the alleged players.

The investigations were conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police's Illegal Gambling Unit and the Peel Regional Police.

Det. Staff Sgt. Clint Hunter said the gaming houses were allegedly running poker games, including Texas Hold 'em, and charging players a fee to participate.

"It depends on the location, but it's either a session fee, a fee every half hour, or a rake per hand," Hunter told CTV.ca.

Police carried out warrants at No Limit Club at 5500 Tomken Road., Unit 8; Hollywood, at 2408 Haines Road., Unit 5; Topflight Poker Club, 125 Topflight Drive; and Pockets at 6160 Netherhart Road., Unit No. 10.

Hunter said all four clubs were independently operated.