By Karenlyn Barone
Operating out of a two-story building at 43D Rocklyn Ave., just north of Sunrise Highway, the gambling club, it has been determined, was in operation for about 10 months. About three months ago, residents began to suspect the crowded parking lot outside the building. The Lynbrook Police Department notified Michael Ryder, superintendent of the village's Building Department.
After several unsuccessful attempts to gain entry, Ryder notified the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office. The fire marshal, Ryder explained, has the advantage of not needing a search warrant to enter a building, and need not give prior notice of its intent to do so.
On Oct. 2, Fire Marshals Susan Lund and Michael Krummenacker were granted entry by Thomas Daniel, who identified himself as the manager of the club. Once inside, the marshals saw large card tables, some set up with chips and one occupied by a group of about 10 men playing cards. "The people didn't even stop gambling when the fire marshals went in," said Ryder.
The club was issued notices of violations for failing to post occupancy limits or to have illuminated exit signs. With suspicions of gambling confirmed, a full investigation was launched by the Nassau County Police Department's Assets and Forfeiture Unit and the District Attorney's Squad.
"Until we were notified by the Lynbrook Building Department, we had no knowledge of any criminal activity going on there," said Detective Sgt. Patrick Ryder, who is Michael Ryder's brother. "There was no license to conduct gambling at that Lynbrook location, which is illegal when the house is profiting from such gambling activities.
Once a detailed investigation was complete, a police raid was scheduled for last Wednesday at 11:15 p.m. "At the time of the raid, we seized more than $5,000 in cash, six blackjack and poker tables, and a Joker Poker machine," said Patrick Ryder. "The seven people arrested were charged with promoting gambling and possession of gambling devices." They included Thomas Daniel, 27, of East Meadow; Joseph Ferraro, 33, of West Hempstead; John Riccobono, 33, and Jessica DeSantis, 24, both of Garden City; and Tracy Nicoletti, 35, John Nicoletti, 34, and Frederick Ferrara, 37, all of Massapequa. They were reportedly running the operation.
"During the raid, we found between 35 and 40 people in the club gambling at four different tables," Ryder said.
According to Michael Ryder, the building owner is listed as Triangle Properties. "To remove this kind of prohibited, illegal establishment was top priority and a must-do for the village as a whole," Michael Ryder said. "The Lynbrook Police Department, along with the Nassau County Department of Assets and Forfeiture, the District Attorney's Squad, the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office and the Lynbrook Building Department, all worked well together and can take full credit."
The other side of the coin
Members of the gambling club were allowed entry by invitation only, or through a friendship with an active member. Tom, who is in his late 30s and declined to be identified further, said that he first heard about the club when he played in a poker tournament at a neighboring firehouse.
"I met this guy who told me about the place, and he called ahead and told them to expect me," said Tom, who became a regular visitor. He described to the Herald what went on inside the club. "This was actually a poker hall - a card room where people got together to play Texas Hold 'Em - for money, of course - because of its popularity on television," he said. "It's different from a gambling club, where there is roulette, blackjack and craps. Those are traditionally for casino gambling."
Tom, who considers himself an excellent poker player, said that the club was a great place to play cards. He said that it charged $5 per half hour and provided a dealer, a non-alcoholic bar, snacks and a lounge area with a television. He said he typically played in six-hour sessions, and that winning $1,000 in a day was not unheard of. "There was no limit, and if you buy in and play well, you could win a lot,"said Tom.
"We gamble every day of our lives," Tom said. "People risk money every day. At least with poker, I'm in control."
More than a little upset by the closing of the club, Tom said the action was downright hypocritical. "This state runs the biggest gambling operation with their lottery, Quick Draw and Scratch Off games," he said. "Yet they will not allow private citizens to play poker. Who was getting hurt, and why are churches and fraternal organizations allowed to hold Las Vegas nights? Why is that OK?"
In fact, churches and other organizations that hold charity events that include games of chance to benefit a cause already have public-assembly licenses, and must apply for temporary gambling licenses. The Lynbrook club had neither.
Ante up
"Gambling has been glorified to children through television and the ESPN gambling shows," Patrick Ryder said. "Kids are playing poker and gambling all over town. It has become a quality-of-life issue. If we don't take care of these little things, bigger things will occur. I'm glad we shut the place down."
Tom, however, said he believes it all comes down to profit. "I didn't know we lived in a communist country," he said. "Poker is literally a national sport. The legislators don't want anyone to profit from games, but the card players don't object to it. The cops who raided probably play poker at their friend's homes, too."
Tom said it was "tragic that a place where people can socialize and play poker is illegal in New York state." Admitting he will "miss the camaraderie and the friendship of the people from the card room in Lynbrook," he added, "There are other places I already play at, and I know of at least half a dozen more on Long Island."
