I assume this was done under pressure from the local casino/cardrooms that spend money like water to keep their horrible cardrooms open.

The real reason for games like this, is that cardrooms in the bay area are pretty terrible. They charge high fees, have some fairly unreasonable games and are crippled somewhat by some fairly bad laws in their jurisdiction. On top of that (and I'm not trying to say anything racist, just cultural) when you're a non-Asian guy, and half the table is talking in a language you don't understand and the dealers aren't stopping them, you have to wonder if you're getting fleeced on a regular basis by the "locals".

So what's left for the average guy who just wants to play some cards with good players and not have to pay for overpriced drinks (yes, you pay in the Bay, it's not drink all night for free like Vegas) if the places even serve booze. Some don't, liquor licences aren't cheap I guess and casinos are always hurting for cash. (uh?).

In comes the home game! In CA it's not illegal to host a poker game UNLESS the house is taking in money. Yes, this means a $5 for food/drinks/wear and tear on the carpet, WHATEVER charge. So, the guys doing this were dumb for having that, rather than just being gracious hosts and hoping that a few people would chip in on their own free will.

If you ask, it's a payment. If they just leave you 5 bucks on their way out the door, it's not. When it becomes a payment, you're a casino, you're charging a rake (roughly) and you're illegal. That's the fatal mistake. I'm sure there was enough cash pumped into the local law enforcement by the nearby cardrooms that wonder why they don't get a more "expanded" client base on a regular basis, and found out there's a pretty thriving home game scene. No rake, no BS, just some fun playing poker.

Unfortunately, it's clear that the San Mateo police is very receptive to "persuasion" and wants to bust a $5 home game, rather than work on real issues.

Not like the bay area has any..