Innocence Center Schedules Second All in for Justice Charity Poker Tournament at Jamul Casino Resort

The Innocence Center is returning its All in for Justice Charity Poker Tournament to Jamul Casino Resort on Friday, October 2, 2026. The date aligns with Wrongful Conviction Day, an internationally recognized observance focused on awareness of wrongful convictions, needed reforms, and their effects on those impacted.

The 2025 inaugural event at the same venue raised approximately $30,000. According to PokerNews, TIC attorney Claudia Salinas said organizers aim to double attendance from last year’s nearly 100 players. Entry for the upcoming tournament is $150, with advance registration available and sponsorship opportunities open for poker-related brands to provide gear or prizes.

“After the success of the inaugural tournament, we were thrilled when Jamul Casino Resort agreed to host us again for the second annual All in for Justice Charity Poker Tournament,” said Salinas. “This year, we want to build on what we started. The goal isn’t simply to host another poker tournament. It’s to continue creating a platform where the poker community and the broader community can learn about wrongful convictions, hear directly from people impacted by them, connect with the work of The Innocence Center, and help raise the resources necessary to change lives.”

Salinas added that the most meaningful element was seeing poker enthusiasts depart with greater awareness of the cause. “That was probably the most meaningful part of the entire night for me. Seeing people who came together because they love poker leave knowing they had also helped fight for someone’s freedom was incredibly special. It was a tangible example of what happens when you create a space where people can have fun, build community, and support a cause at the same time.”

Last Year’s Event

Michael Semanchik, TIC executive director, opened the 2025 tournament by outlining the organization’s mission to free the wrongfully convicted, educate the public on contributing factors, and aid exonerated individuals in rebuilding their lives. Title sponsors Richard and Laurie Brooks were recognized in memory of their brother Steven Brooks, an avid poker player.

A custom trophy incorporated a swirl ribbon to represent resilience, the push toward exoneration, and resulting systemic change. Salinas addressed the overlap between poker and legal practice, both demanding observation, calculated risks, decisions under uncertainty, and strategy adjustments with new information. She had previously discussed this intersection on The Grid Podcast with Jennifer Shahade.

2026 Objectives and Participation

Salinas stated: “Last year, nearly 100 people sat down at a poker table and helped raise $30,000 to fight wrongful convictions. This year, we’re hoping to double the number of attendees, and we need the help of everyone who believes in this work to spread the word. So, if you know a poker player, a lawyer, a business owner, a potential sponsor, or simply someone who cares about this cause, please share the event with them.”

This return engagement shows how casino venues can host events that merge entertainment with targeted charitable outcomes, drawing crossover participation from gaming and legal circles without requiring broader industry extrapolation.

Reporting: PokerNews

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