Police Raid Californias Shamrock Social Club Case Could Set New Precedent For Internet Cafs

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Police here raided the Shamrock Social Gaming and Mining Club. The April 29 search for evidence of illegal gambling resulted in no arrests of the establishment's employees or owners. But local news sources reported that law enforcement officials seized computer equipment.

Government officials strongly suspect the club is a gambling operation commonly referred to as an "Internet café." According to local news sources, the club allowed patrons to "play" or "mine" crypto-currency (digital money) while playing computer games. Called ShamrockCoins, the digital currency was printed out with a barcoded receipt, or "paper wallet," but could could not be exchanged for real cash at the club. However, a nearby business was only too happy to scan the barcode and exchange the receipt for the U.S. currency for a 10% fee. The raid reportedly followed an undercover investigation.

The Shamrock Social Gaming and Mining Club has made news since it first opened in March. Largely viewed as a way to evade gambling laws through a nontraditional payout system, the establishment has made little or no effort to operate in a stealthy manner. A website and Youtube video outlined the club's operation and use of crypto-currency. Should the new payout format stand up to a legal test in court, it could provide a model for similar establishments in the future.

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