Police sting nets 63 poker-related arrests

Police cracked down on unsanctioned poker events in Winnipeg, Man., last week, arresting 64 people before seizing poker tables, chips and cash.

Officers targeted three venues: a private club, a lounge and a pool hall, according to Canada's Globe and Mail. Fifty-seven people have subsequently been charged with being found in a common gaming house, while six are charged with running illegal poker games.

The investigation into illegal poker activity in the city has been underway since November, when the province's gaming commission received complaints of unlicensed games.

Most complaints involved gaming operators skimming from the proceeds of events meant for charity, many of which are Texas Hold'em events, said a spokeswoman for the commission.

Police wouldn't specify the illegalities of the three games that were broken up, how much money was seized or how the case was investigated.

No court dates have been set for the accused.

courtesy of Erin Warner

News Added: 06 June, 2007

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