I would say that for someone who just discovered that another person has been attempting to steal from him on an ongoing basis, you showed a lot of restraint.
It's true. I showed uncharacteristic restraint. There is no doubt, he didn't just try, he did steal from me on an ongoing basis. He's certainly taken me for somewhere in the 3 digit range in the last 6 months (since I've been back in OKC). Chips move around a lot, there's no way of really knowing.
cut him out of the game untill he pays (reasonable) restitution, and if you do let him back in definitely no dealing for him
or if he shows no intent on repenting, round up any guys he's been playing with, go to his house to demand restitution
I suppose it depends how much you actually like the guy and are willing to overlook this.
and ignore any idiots who are going to promote the use of violence
There is no cutting him out of the game. It's his game. I don't even have phone numbers for those guys, except the one I think might be his cohort. It's not worth violence in this situation (It's not enough money to go to prison over).
I REALLY like him. He's been my man friend these days and I'm all involved with his wife's family both personally and professionally. It's a real shitty situation like that with problems like: If I up and quit going to poker every week his father-in-law is going to want to know why. If I tell him (and why would I lie? He's my buddy too.) then everyone is going to be pissed at ME for making things difficult...
So far I haven't said anything to anyone except his sister-in-law who I was texting all about it as it was happening. I'm sure they're (the wife and he) aren't talking. They've been worried I'd let slip they smoke pot for years, they're no doubt nervous about what I'll do.