Poker Pro James Kerr Tied to Illegal Gambling House

A professional poker player from Florida, who has won hundreds of thousands of dollars from playing the game professionally, is accused of running an illegal gambling house and money laundering. That is the case with James Kerr, a 39-year-old Lakeland professional poker player, who is in hot water after being accused of running an illegal gambling house in Winter Haven.

The Suspect Faces Three Charges

Confirmation about his arrest and charges came from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the County’s top cop with decades of experience in law enforcement who is renowned for his relentless pursuit of justice, comprehensive approach to crime and community safety that made him famous nationally. Sheriff Judd, quoted by FOX 13, spoke about Kerr’s background as a professional gambler.

Moreover, the Sheriff said: “If you search him up online, you’ll see he’s won a lot of money legally gambling, but guess what, he became greedy and decided to set up his own illegal game. That’s when he got arrested.” The charges Kerr faces include three counts of fraud and money laundering of $100,000 or more. However, according to Sheriff Judd, the suspect may face further charges at a later point.

Sheriff Judd said that other individuals involved in the illegal gambling operation may also soon face charges for their roles. It is unclear how many others have been involved and what their roles might have been.

The allegations against the Lakeland man suggest he ran the illegal gambling house and made hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process. A police investigation claims that between 2021 and 2023, Kerr made $800,000 in illicit earnings from organizing high-stakes poker games.

Reportedly, law enforcement officers have gone undercover to bring down the illicit gambling operation and collect evidence. During the investigation, police detected many transactions completed by Kerr to different bank accounts.

The bail of the professional poker player was set at $60,000. If he posts his bail, Kerr would be required to wear a GPS monitor.

James Kerr’s Live Poker Earnings Are Close to $700K

Professionally, Kerr has made hundreds of thousands from playing poker. Data from the Hendon Mob reveals that the Lakeland resident has total live earnings of $687,248.

On the other hand, his best live cash win came in 2021. At the time, Kerr triumphed in the $1,700 No Limit Hold’em event within the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Poker Classic in Tampa. Taking first place, he won $228,038.

More recently, Kerr won the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em – Championship from the SHR Tampa Signature Poker Series in Tampa. Triumphing in first place at the event on September 27, 2024, Kerr won $111,294.