Police shut down gambling club that catered to elderly

Monday, Nov. 29, 2004 | 9:05 a.m.

BROCKTON, Mass. -- Police have shut down what they said was an illegal gambling club frequented mostly by senior citizens.

The Brockton club, located steps away from a day-care center for children, featured video poker games, card games, and plenty of alcohol, authorities said. It was in operation for at least three years.

The alleged ringleader, Charles J. Matta, 65, of Brockton, was charged with gaming, possession of gaming materials, and organizing or promoting gaming facilities or services.

"We're a bunch of old people looking for something to do," he said from his subsidized high-rise apartment. "I'd rather get out. You got people sitting around all day waiting to die."

Matta was arrested Monday when he arrived at the club.

On Tuesday, the Brockton Enterprise reported that police found nearly $30,000 in the offices and at Matta's apartment.

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