Tucker bar busted after tip on illegal gambling

Gwinnett police raided a Tucker bar and arrested 14 people for alleged illegal gambling, authorities said Monday.

Patrons of Pufferbelly’s Saloon & Eatery at 4880 Lawrenceville Highway were betting money on Texas Hold ‘Em poker games and playing on video poker machines in full public view, police said. The Gwinnett police vice unit began investigating the establishment in January after they received an anonymous tip about people gambling there, said department spokesman Cpl. David Schiralli.

The owner, Mi Sook Kim, 44, of Tucker, was arrested Saturday, along with 13 others who were allegedly taking bets or placing them. Kim was charged with commercial gambling, gambling, and possessing a gambling device. Police also seized $7,000 in cash, several Georgia Skill video poker machines and a handgun, Schiralli said. The commercial gambling charge is a felony.

A neon “open” sign glowed in the window of the saloon on Monday, but only two patrons lingered inside its dim interior. A bartender took a message for Kim which was not returned.