Gambling Den In Harlem Brownstone Is Shut Down By City: Lawsuit

HARLEM, NY — The city has shut down an illegal gambling ring operating out of a Harlem apartment owned by a local fraternal organization, according to a new lawsuit.

The four-story brownstone at 119 West 122nd St., between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Malcolm X boulevards, is owned by the United Order of Mechanics, according to the suit, which was filed Monday in state court.

The city's investigation began on May 1, when an undercover police officer investigating a report of illegal gambling entered the home and found between 20 and 25 people at a table in the middle of an apartment, placing bets in a dice game, according to the lawsuit. One man, acting as the "house," was collecting the wagers.

The undercover officer walked up and began to place bets, losing a total of $220, the suit says.

The officer returned a week later, again finding between 20 and 25 people, this time losing $200 in bets. The same process repeated itself a week later, on May 15, only this time the officer was told to put down $60 as a minimum bet, plus $100 to cover the bets of other players, the lawsuit alleges.

While inside the house, the undercover officer found that it lacked any photos, clothing, books or other home decor, suggesting that the apartment was being used as a gambling den rather than a residence, the city said.

In its suit, the city is asking a judge to force the building owners to pay a $1,000 penalty for each day that the apartment was home to gambling — a violation of city law. All gambling materials inside the apartment should also be seized by the city sheriff and the apartment should be closed entirely for one year, the city argues.

The United Order of Mechanics did not immediately respond to a request for comment.