Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Yeah the NYT got alot of information there.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah the NYT got alot of information there.

[/ QUOTE ]

Robert K is really ignorant. Talk to the police, dont talk to the press - oddly the police will help us when push comes to shove, the press is out to screw us. Every NY Club operator would essentially say the same thing, none of the club operators would discourage police involvement if there was a problem - life and safety comes before poker.

“Robert K. said a guard frisked people entering the office on his earlier visits last week. He said the same operators were shut down by the police at another Manhattan location recently. They are not raking out of the pot,” and they should not be considered illegal, he said. Parlor owners who charge hourly rates for each player have argued that the practice is consistent with paying to play billiards, but the police have said that it is illegal."

"one of which, the Broadway Club, was a few blocks from the scene of Friday’s shooting."

that was a fun night [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

“He was a wonderful person. It’s senseless and upsetting,” she said. Asked whether Mr. DeSena had loved poker, she said, “Yes, he did, and he loved the Yankees, too.”

this brings a tear to my eye. RIP Frank the Yank.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

All I can say is Wow. Terrible news, Frank was a sweetheart of a guy and no one deserves to lose their life in such a horrible way. I got a phone call after it happened but didn't hear the name til this evening. My heart goes out to his family and I really hope the NYPD catches the scumbags asap.

As for the comments about it being easy to keep the games secure, you can only do so much if a person or group of people is really that determined to hit the spot they are getting in. You can't expect the bouncer who is earning a few hundred dollars to risk his life, I know in a perfect world he would be able to keep them out but unfortunately for Frank it's harder than it seems. And it's almost impossible to know who's getting invited to a game, you would like to think that you can trust the people you have played with for years but you never know, desperate people commit desperate acts and people talk and talk and talk no matter how much you stress to them that their discretion is required. I bet that train to AC will be packed every trip, players need to feel safe and if it means spending a few dollars and wasting a few hours travel time it is worth it.

Say goodbye to poker in NYC, this will only give the powers that be more of a reason to go after clubs and operators, you won't get any of the close minded legislators to realize that anytime you make something illegal you create an underground that operates with different rules and standards. It's so silly to think that we can't play in State licensed rooms that are able to provide the protection we deserve. It's a win win for everyone involved but sadly I don't think it will ever happen in NY.

God Bless ya Frank

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Yikes That is some horribly shocking news. I was on my way to the club around 1:30 am. I saw a bunch of NYPD cars out side with yellow tape on the street. I thought the place got raided. I did find it odd that there was tape and lots of action. I had no idea it was a robbery and some one was shot and killed. That is so sad. I have been playing at a few clubs for years I have been in one raid which was not so bad. Generally these environments are safe and fun. I am so sorry to here about that man, my deepest sympathies to his family and people that knew him. This was definitely a harsh and rude awakening to the sick realities of the world we live in. Speaking for my self I can say I will be staying away from the underground seen, Although I will miss playing with everybody. I met a lot of cool people in these places and there was always something to do. I really hope they catch these A- HOLES! I pray nobody has to experience something like that ever again.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
Robert K is really ignorant. Talk to the police, dont talk to the press

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree, screw the press. They have alterior motives.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Does anyone know if any previous card room robberies in memory turned violent? I haven't been able to find a definitive answer. Some news stories said that this time the guy in the cage got worked over, but I'm thinking specificaly about loss of life.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
the press is out to screw us.

[/ QUOTE ]

While this might be true in general, this article doesn't strike me as particularly ignorant, biased or bigoted. Rather, it shows how the people playing in these games are just regular guys, dispelling the image that some might have of poker being a shady hustle.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
the press is out to screw us.

[/ QUOTE ]

While this might be true in general, this article doesn't strike me as particularly ignorant, biased or bigoted. Rather, it shows how the people playing in these games are just regular guys, dispelling the image that some might have of poker being a shady hustle.

[/ QUOTE ]


[ QUOTE ]
But both said they were surprised that Mr. DeSena, a gentle husband and the father of a teenage son, had been involved in the shadowy, sometimes dangerous world of poker games, where locations are spread by word of mouth and e-mail.



[/ QUOTE ]

^Biased. Look at the word usage, the sentence structure. It implies that usually "gentle husbands and fathers" don't play poker, only shadowy figures do.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Good god. Condolences to family and friends.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Although I did not know Frank to personally, I have played with him on many occassions. I've even sat him down in some games. In no way can this blog do him any justice, however it is nice to see him talked about so highly. He was indeed a very kind person, to say the least. He would never complain, enjoyed his Yankees and enjoyed his poker. When I seen his face in the paper today it sunk in even more. This is a devasting tragedy.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

NY Post - Sunday

in the NY poker community each player has the right of privacy. In death this player has a name on 2+2. This is Frank Desena, his life and privacy was taken while playing an innocent game of poker. RIP. Frank is an unintentional martyr for our cause.

http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/...amd_desena.jpg

Daily News

google news feed for Frank Desena

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

So it was the Frank I knew. Such a sweetheart of a guy, soft-spoken, courteous, never, ever a bad word. From game to game we had a running conversation about the movie Seven Samurai, which I told him was my favorite and which he liked as well. A horrible tragedy.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

This is quite brutal [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

NY Post says $100K+ plus ... Wow if thats true.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
NY Post says $100K+ plus ... Wow if thats true.

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow that the NY Post found out how much was there since the NY Police have not released the amount that was found at the club when they arrived. Wow that somebody still hasn't learned to keep their mouths shut, robberies happen because dollar amounts like this is publicized.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

RIP Frank. This just burns me up, he was one of the kindest, gentlest guys you could ever hope to play with, always courteous no matter how bad a beat he took. The scum who did this deserve far worse than they'll get.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[censored] the Post

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

If you had to walk into that room and pick out the kindest, most innocent, genuine and happy guy it would have been Frank. He always said hello and goodbye to everyone and truly loved the game. R.I.P Frank.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Tragedy. Quite unfortunate. Things like this will continue to give people the impression that they are a frequent occurence, despite that fact that many clubs are safe, quiet places, with nowhere near as much money in the house as the impression we are given.

I was told that this individual also used to play the NJ scene, in places I played and dealt. Unfortunately, I don't remember him. All accounts say he was nice.

To those saying to legalize poker, or to have more cameras/metal detectors, etc, please keep in mind that when facing individuals with shotguns who are hard up for money, one can never be completely safe.

As far as newspaper accuracy, this should shock no one. Reporters are simply doing their job, they're not in the business to wait around for 6 days to get an exact dollar figure. Who cares if they said "$100k plus" or "$250k" or whatever figure? Either way, basic logic dictates clubs are going to have a good deal of cash on hand on a weekend evening and thus are attractive targets for criminals.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

You know the other two were about ready to kill the other robber when they got back to wherever.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

RIP Frank. So, so sad.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Just such sad news. When Playstation, Players and AcePoint all shut down I said goodbye to underground poker. I had a fear of losing money on the table but moreso about my own safety. What a senseless death. I didn't know the victim but it sounds like he was a really nice guy who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been any of us. RIP, Frank.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Wow. I had feared this was who it was. I always remember Frank coming into the club with his Yankees hat on, a paper under one arm and a cup of DD coffee in his hand. As soon as he walked in the coffee and paper had to go into one hand so he could shake your hand. Thinking back to the multiple times I played with and sat him at games in at least 4 different clubs.... I can't recall one time he walked in without a smile on his face. Always cheery with something good to say.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends. This is an absolute tragedy.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
Just such sad news. It could have been any of us.

[/ QUOTE ]

It won't be me. This is why I stay out of the clubs. These types of robberies have been occuring at illegal gambling club since the inception of these types of establishments.

Whenever I have the need to play live I make the trek to Atlantic City. The games are honest and and morevoer, safe.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Problem with this is that many people live nowhere near a casino, and don't have this option. Depending on where in Brooklyn you are, you're 2 hours to 2 hours and 20 minutes at a minimum, which can't be easy. Thus, people feel the need to turn to the easily accessible club scene.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Just such sad news. It could have been any of us.

[/ QUOTE ]

It won't be me. This is why I stay out of the clubs. These types of robberies have been occuring at illegal gambling club since the inception of these types of establishments.

Whenever I have the need to play live I make the trek to Atlantic City. The games are honest and and morevoer, safe.

[/ QUOTE ]

Al - this is the first time there has ever been a tragedy of this magnitude in the history of NY Poker that I am aware of. robberies and raids are no sweat, you loose your buyin for the evening - its like felting. Losing your life, that cannot be replaced.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Just read this. So very, very sad. Rip Frank.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

It's funny. Years ago, I was completely against the raids by the vice squad. But now the clubs need to give up. For someone to lose their life whether it was an accident or not is unacceptable. Now the clubs must be closed because they've become an easy target for armed robberies. Every NYC club that I have played or worked has been robbed at least once.

See you at the Taj folks.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

This is why I haven't played in NYC clubs since shortly after PS and NYPC closed.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

First of all I would like to say that I feel absolutely terrible for the victims of this crime.

Also I would like to know what you guys think some other poker rooms are in danger of something like this happening. I have been playing at the new mountaneer poker room and havent noticed any security.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Any place with lots of cash/valuables is at risk of being robbed. Bank robberies happen every day, but I don't have any fear of stopping by my local branch.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

I only recently played with Frank, good guy. Shame what happened. I had high hopes for the place.... Straddle was around for almost 2 years, and it finally moved to a better place, and didnt last a few weeks.

*mod note - edited out because disclosing security details is forbidden*

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
Any place with lots of cash/valuables is at risk of being robbed. Bank robberies happen every day, but I don't have any fear of stopping by my local branch.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is a horrible comparison.

I've personally decided to stop playing at the NYC clubs. The joy of live poker is not worth the potential for something like this. I'll stick to my monthly AC/Foxwoods trip.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

I'm so sorry that my comparison didn't meet your standards. Perhaps I should have compared to the scores of robberies involving convenience stores, pizza parlors and other cash businesses.

BTW, I'm sure no one has ever been robbed after leaving a casino so you're 100% safe playing in AC/Foxwoods.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

Not much new information (other than the possible link with another robbery), but Gothamist supplies links to many other articles.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
BTW, I'm sure no one has ever been robbed after leaving a casino so you're 100% safe playing in AC/Foxwoods.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sir - your VERY wrong. People are robbed in AC, CT, Vegas, etc all the time. Greg Raymer was robbed by two poker players who followed him to his room. There was a guy who was murdered and robbed after he was trailed home from an LA poker room last year. This does happen.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
BTW, I'm sure no one has ever been robbed after leaving a casino so you're 100% safe playing in AC/Foxwoods.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sir - your VERY wrong. People are robbed in AC, CT, Vegas, etc all the time. Greg Raymer was robbed by two poker players who followed him to his room. There was a guy who was murdered and robbed after he was trailed home from an LA poker room last year. This does happen.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm pretty sure he was being sarcastic - responding to message that it's not the same comparing the security/safety of a bank and an NYC poker room.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

If Karma had played a greater roll, I'm pretty sure Frank would have been one of the last to go. He was a gentle spirit with a kind sense of humor.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
Not much new information (other than the possible link with another robbery), but Gothamist supplies links to many other articles.

[/ QUOTE ]

Without going into a lot of detail, the people I've spoken to don't believe they're related. However, I do think this robbery is related to all of the false robbery reports that the old location was getting. I think they were testing police response time and trying to get them used to ignoring robbery reports. I also believe that this is the reason that the police shut down the old location.

Oh, you were correct, I was being sarcastic in the previous reply. I want to apologize about that. You're entitled to your opinion. I'm a little touchy following what happened and that comment struck a nerve. Sorry about that.

Re: NYC Poker Robbery and Shooting
 

[ QUOTE ]
It's funny. Years ago, I was completely against the raids by the vice squad. But now the clubs need to give up. For someone to lose their life whether it was an accident or not is unacceptable.

[/ QUOTE ]
For someone to lose their life playing football is acceptable? To lose their life skydiving is acceptable? To lose their life flying a small private plan is ok? To lose their life scuba diving is ok?

There are risks to EVERYTHING we do. One death out of decades of playing makes it a nasty shock, not a reason to go post-9/11 insane.

You may make the decision regarding your own life and safety and play only in AC if that's your choice. Please don't make that choice on behalf of EVERYBODY. (Course your odds of getting killed driving to/from AC may actually be greater than the odds of getting killed from a poker robbery...but that's a topic for a different thread.)