Poker Club in Ohio Files Lawsuit Against Local Administration

A poker club looking to open for business in Cincinnati, Ohio, launched a legal battle to prove that it would be legal to operate in the state. The Action Factory Social Club received a zoning certificate to operate at the Dillonvale Shopping Center located on Galbraith Road in Cincinnati. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, the club’s certificate was revoked by the Sycamore Township. This pushed Action Factory to launch the lawsuit and seek for resolution of the matter in court.

The Action Factory Social Club Files Lawsuit

Details regarding the court claim filed earlier this month were released by The Cincinnati Enquirer. Corey Albertson, the owner of the Action Factory poker club, claimed that his business has “sustained a total loss.” According to the court documents, the lawsuit challenges the decision of Skylor Miller, the planning and zoning administrator in Sycamore Township, to revoke the poker club’s certificate to operate.

“I have sustained a total loss of my business, the use and enjoyment of my leased property, and my business has sustained reputational harm that cannot be repaired,” reads the lawsuit filed by Corey Albertson, the owner of the Action Factory Social Club

Initially, Action Factory was given the certificate, allowing it to open for business back in February. But in March, Miller claimed that if the club opens for business it would violate state laws. Consequently, he informed Albertson that the township decided to revoke the poker club’s license. The legal complaint filed by Albertson claimed that besides financial loss, those actions impacted the reputation of the venue beyond repair.

The Club Won’t Take Cut From Poker Bets

Besides Sycamore Township’s administrator, the legal complaint includes Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. The lawsuit describes that Albertson was informed that his business would be raided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office if it opened for visitors. Ultimately, the poker club seeks a decision by a judge to open its business legally, without any obstructions from Sycamore Township or the Sheriff’s Office.

The owner of the club revealed that its operations won’t be against the law, considering that it would not benefit from the poker bets. In other words, regardless of whether the club’s visitors play high or low stakes, Action Factory won’t take a cut. Instead, the club would charge membership fees.

Considering the lawsuit, now the matter is left in the hands of the court. A formal response on the topic from the court is expected early in May, while a hearing on the case is pinned for June.