Hamilton police arrested six people Sunday at an east-end bar which allegedly housed an illegal gambling operation.

The End Zone Bar and Grill, at 1900 King St. E., was raided by 40 police officers from several agencies.

"It took one year for Hamilton police to investigate the case of an alleged book-making and illegal poker operation by two Hamilton bar owners," said Inspector Dan Kinsella.

Several thousand dollars, plasma televisions which police say were being used for sports betting along with thousands of gambling cards were seized.

"It was an illegal gambling zone. There were approximately 150 patrons in the bar at the time and we were looking for a safe and secure operation to be done with minor injuries," said Kinsella.

He explained that 40 officers from Hamilton Police Service worked in conjunction with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit with assistance from the OPP Provincial Gaming Unit.

Six people have been charged.

To some witnesses like Steve, who is a Sunday regular at the End Zone, it was a scary day.

 "It was 12:40 p.m. when police officers converged on the End Zone in tactical clothing,” he added.

Steve, who didn't want his last name to be used, said: “It was an absolute unbelievable show of force. It was lunch time with families and children present and we had no idea what was going on."

"I have been spending $5 a week in the NFL pool and am aware that all money put into the pool is also paid out. I would be extremely interested to know why we were treated like criminals during the raid by police."