The Innocence Center Brings Back All in for Justice Poker Tournament on Oct. 2
Second annual Jamul Casino Resort event lowers the buy-in to $150 and keeps its focus on wrongful convictions
The Innocence Center will stage its second annual All in for Justice Charity Poker Tournament at Jamul Casino Resort on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, and the buy-in will be $150. The return comes after the inaugural event in 2025 raised about $30,000.
Claudia Salinas said the idea is to build on that first year and use the tournament as a platform for the poker community and the broader community to learn about wrongful convictions, hear directly from people affected, connect with The Innocence Center’s work, and help raise resources to change lives.
Last year’s debut drew nearly 100 people to the tables, and Salinas said TIC hopes to double attendance this year. The 2025 tournament carried a $200 buy-in, so the entry price is lower for the follow-up event.
At the inaugural night, executive director Michael Semanchik laid out the group’s mission: freeing wrongfully convicted people from prison, educating the public about the causes of wrongful conviction, and helping exonerated people rebuild after release. The first event also had title sponsors Richard and Laurie Brooks, who backed it in memory of their brother Steven Brooks, an avid poker player, and the winner received a special trophy with a swirl ribbon design meant to symbolize resilience and systemic change.
The Innocence Center launched in 2023 and, according to PokerNews, has collectively freed more than 40 people who served more than 600 years in prison and helped change a dozen laws to prevent future injustices and make it easier to free the innocent. PokerNews also reported that players can register in advance, and that TIC is looking for sponsorships or poker-related brands willing to donate gear or prizes for final-table winners.
