Suffolk police said they broke up nine illegal gambling operations in the county late Wednesday night.

Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota said the high-stakes Texas Hold 'Em poker games were professional operations, with security cameras and armed guards. Spota said many people are literally losing their shirts, homes and families because of gambling. The addiction causes them to go to loan sharks, which can be very dangerous, he said.

Neighbors concerned about potential violence stemming from gambling said the game broken up in Deer Park was right near an elementary school.

Nine men were arrested and charged with promoting gambling, which is a misdemeanor that could result in one year in prison.