SWC Boss to Appear in Nevada on Online Poker Charge

Seals With Clubs Chairman Bryan Micon is expected to return to the U.S. to answer the charge of operating an unlicensed poker site.

Bryan Micon’s Nevada home was raided by law enforcement in February for running the Bitcoin poker site without proper licensing. The site was shut down and Micon fled to Antigua with his family where he promptly opened a new Bitcoin poker room – SWCPoker.

While in Antigua, a warrant was issued in Nevada for Micon’s arrest. The Bitcoin poker boss took to social media to indicate a desire to fight the allegation, claiming he had done nothing wrong.

Micon also asked the poker-playing public for support in attempting to stave off the court action, with a goal of raising $100,000 for costly attorney fees. A GoFundMe account was established, but reached only around $4,000 in donations before the site stopped accepting donations for reasons not fully explained.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Micon plans to appear in court for his next court date. Through his attorney it was learned that the warrant for Micon’s arrest has been recalled, allowing him to travel and arrive in Clark County, Nevada and present himself voluntarily. Indications are that he will be booked and released, apparently willing to cooperate in answering this court call and any appearance dates in the future.

During the raid on his Las Vegas home four months ago, the authorities confiscated computers and electronic equipment. Micon’s online footprints were recovered, revealing that he once attempted to contact the operator of Lock Poker in hopes of acquiring that U.S.-friendly site.

Lock Poker has since stopped operating, with an estimated $15 million still owed to players. Micon’s communication on Skype indicated a willingness to pay back all players and re-establish the Lock Poker brand. A the time, Micon boasted of his affluence, stating that he was profiting between $10K-$12K per month with Seals With Clubs, as well as making a killing on buying Bitcoin at a low price before the virtual currency skyrocketed in value.

The Nevada charge could bring as much as 10 years behind bars and a fine of $50,000, but that maximum punishment won’t likely be doled out if Micon is found guilty. The allegation is ground-breaking in the sense that it’s the first time that an individual faces prosecution for operating a Bitcoin poker site.

SWCPoker has failed to achieve the modest popularity enjoyed at the initial Seals With Clubs site. Apparently, news of the shutdown and the charge faced by Micon has kept players away.