Mounties probe unlicensed Nova Scotia Hold'em tournaments

Canadian police are investigating 50 illegal poker games in the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia. Most cases stem from unlicensed Texas Hold'em games held in local pubs and businesses, reports the CBC.

Though often the poker games are used to raise money for charity or to boost clientele in bars, most events are unregulated, says the RCMP.

The police force is issuing a warning to businesses hosting the games: either get a gaming permit or face charges.

While players aren't breaking the law by participating in poker games, establishments that host the events could potentially lose their alcohol and VLT licenses, among other penalties.

Poker games - even for charity - must receive a permit from Nova Scotia's alcohol and gaming regulator if the event isn't held in a casino environment. The government department is the only gambling licensing agency in the province.

According to one officer, the RCMP is also investigating complaints of private gambling operations in residential neighborhoods.

Proponents of the poker tournaments told the CBC that provincials laws are unclear and officials have given mixed answers as to what is allowed and what isn't.

News Added: 12 January, 2007

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