Illegal Poker Charges Dropped by Canadian Judge

A Manitoba Canada judge had some choice words for the first two of 57 poker players arrested for participating in an unlicensed poker game in a police sting operation last May, before dropping charges against the pair, reports the Winnipeg Free Press.

"Some people are astounded that this matter is in the criminal courts," provincial court Judge Rocky Pollock told a packed courtroom of arrested gamblers on Friday.

The judge surprisingly next urged people to contact their MP if they want the laws changed.

The judge then discharged Neil Faderson, 27, and Rellen Orcullo, 34. That means they both will continue to maintain clean criminal records after the Crown agreed not to seek a stiffer penalty.

The pair were considered to be dealers who helped facilitate the illegal games. Faderson is a student at Red River College about to obtain his diploma in business administration. Orcullo is the mother of two teens who was running her own food-supply business.

Many in the city's poker community were outraged after the May 31 police raid on cash games around the city. Dubbed 'Project Kaleidoscope', the bust involved about 60 officers shutting down illegal games at the Bari Club on Corydon Avenue and the Barca Club on McMillan Avenue.

Police also raided Shooters Billiard Lounge on Pembina Highway, along with a condominium where one of the game's organizers lived.

A total of 57 people were charged for being present in common gaming houses.

In Manitoba, poker games have to be licensed by the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission, and only certain groups, like churches or charities, are eligible to claim proceeds.

"Not everyone in Manitoba likes that if you want to play legal Texas hold'em, you've got to go to the game where the rake is going to the commission," said Pollock.

Faderson and Orcullo admitted Friday they knew the club owners were taking a rake, usually between $1 and $3 per hand, but did not feel they were doing anything wrong.

More than 50 others players taken down in the undercover sting will receive even lighter dispositions after agreeing to enroll in a "positive lifestyles" program through the Salvation Army.

The Crown has promised to drop their charges upon completion. Their next court appearance is slated for March.

A handful of other players and dealers have elected not to fold their cards and have set trial dates for the spring of 2009. All of them are without lawyers and have chosen to represent themselves in court.

News Added: 25 February, 2008

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