A former Manhattan residence rented by rapper Travis Scott has become embroiled in a major gambling scandal. The townhouse, located at 80 Washington Place in Greenwich Village, served as a venue for illegal poker games allegedly orchestrated by organized crime figures and former NBA stars.
Illegal Poker Operations in Manhattan
According to federal authorities, this six-story property was one of the primary locations for illicit gambling activities linked to four powerful crime families. Victims reportedly lost millions of dollars in these rigged games.
Historical Context of the Property
This lavish townhouse was not only a residence for Travis Scott but also had a notable history. John Philip Sousa, the American composer famed for his marches, once called this place home. The residence has been on and off the market since 2012, ultimately selling for approximately $20 million to an anonymous shell company in 2024.
The Scandal’s Unfolding
- The poker scheme reportedly emerged around 2019 and was uncovered through an indictment by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
- Federal authorities apprehended more than 30 individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal gambling operations.
- Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner, who have two children together, were not mentioned in the indictment. There is no evidence that they were aware of or participated in the illegal activities occurring in the townhouse.
High-Stakes Gaming and Violence
The townhouse was also a site of increasing tension among rival factions. In the fall of 2023, competing mobsters hosted their own poker game at the same time as one at 80 Washington Place. This rivalry escalated to violence, with armed mobsters reportedly storming the townhouse to disrupt the illicit game.
Financial Aspects
Over the years, listings for the property reflected high rent demands, including a peak of $80,000 per month in 2013. The townhouse’s recent sale occurred through an all-cash deal amid foreclosure proceedings, demonstrating its complex financial history.
While the townhouse sat at the center of high-stakes poker schemes, both Scott and Jenner appear to have distanced themselves from the unfolding drama. The scandal continues to raise questions about the intersection of celebrity culture and organized crime.
