Pinochle Players Can Bet on Fame

The Carson 8 may not be able to bet on pinochle anymore, but they can sure bet on being famous by today. Seven of the eight players busted nearly two weeks ago for betting $1 a card game at their Colony Cove Mobile Estates clubhouse were scheduled to be on NBC’s “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” Monday to talk about their brush with the law.

The Carson 8, mostly retirees who for the last 20 years have been playing pinochle for money, met with Carson Mayor Mike Mitoma on Monday. He explained that they can continue playing cards but that all bets are off. The eight were arrested by sheriff’s deputies two weeks ago when the vice detail received a complaint from a mobile home resident about gambling.