Underground poker scene in Almaty: A look at the clandestine card games in the city

Living the High-Stakes Life: AJournalist from "NewTimes.kz" delves into the world of illicit poker dens

Hey there! Ever wondered about those hidden, high-stakes poker games popping up around town? Let's shed some light on this secretive scene.

First thing's first - what's a catran? It's a clandestine joint where people play poker illegal as can be. The person who brought together these cardsharks is called the organizer, who arranges everything from staff to chips.

So, how does the organizer make some serious cash? It's all about the commissions. For every poker night, they'll take a slice from each round, usually around 4-5%.

The number of players is flexible, depending on the venue. Some games can have just two tables, while others can bustle with more. Typically, each table seats nine players.

Let's say the commission per round is 100,000 tenge. That means the organizer takes home a cool 4,000-5,000 tenge from each deal. No wonder they're smiling so much!

Now, let's see what it takes to run one of these gigs. Finding players is the toughest part of this operation. Once you've got a good contact list, your catran can keep rolling non-stop.

Once the players are gathered, it's time to get the ball rolling. You'll need to find a dealer, purchase equipment, secure a safe venue, and hire staff for food and drinks. But remember, this is all on the hush-hush.

Want to know the best part? This is a low-cost, high-reward gig. With minimal overheads, the potential profits are endless. But you better beware - with great profits come great risks.

Legal Risks

Gambling Laws: In Kazakhstan, gambling is legal, but only through licensed casinos and betting operators. Operating a poker den without a license is a big, fat no-no.
Police Raids: Being caught hosting an illicit poker game can lead to arrests and seizure of assets.
Financial Risks: With no legal protection, there's no safety net if things go awry. And let's not forget about the chance of getting swindled.

Bad Rep: Being associated with illegal activities can tarnish your reputation and damage relationships. This can negatively impact personal and professional lives.
Fame & Infamy: Hosting a high-profile poker game can attract the wrong attention. As the saying goes, too much fame isn't always a good thing.

Security Risks

Robberies: Because these games are operated outside the law, security measures are often lacking. This leaves them vulnerable to robberies and other forms of theft.
Internal Threats: With everyone holding onto big stacks of cash, the potential for internal theft is high. Who can you trust in this shady world of illegal gambling?

But despite the risks, the allure of easy money keeps these illegal poker games alive. In a world where love, luck, and money intertwine, it's no surprise that these dens remain a part of Kazakhstan's underworld.

Now that you know the ins and outs of the illegal poker scene, remember - stay informed, play safe, and always keep your cards close to your chest. Good luck, cardshark!

As you delve further into this secretive scene, you might find yourself asking, "What about casino-and-gambling activities outside the lawful casinos?"
So, next time you stumble upon an inconspicuous casino-and-gambling hideout, remember to tread cautiously, as these illicit operations can be riddled with legal, social, and security risks.

Underground poker scene in Almaty: A look at the clandestine card games in the city