The Atlantic province of Nova Scotia has reportedly been at the center of an increasing focus, by Canadian law enforcement officials, on illegal poker games.  According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian national police have mounted an investigation into some 60 allegedly illegal poker games in the region.

More specifically, both arms of the law are paying particular attention to the poker games that are operated by local public houses.  Apparently, it makes no difference if the poker games are for the benefit of charities.  The organizers of the poker events, which are unlicensed and unregulated, have been warned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other law enforcement agencies that they cannot run the games without first obtaining a permit.  Failure to do so will likely result in criminal prosecution.

While the poker players themselves are not committing an offense by playing in the tournaments, the individuals and companies that operate and host the tournaments are in violation of the law, which puts them at risk of losing their liquor licenses or other licenses.  They could also face criminal sanctions.

The Mounties pointed out that the legal operation of any organized poker game outside of a casino environment first requires the exclusive permission of the government’s Nova Scotia liquor and gambling regulator.  Complaints of private gambling operations in residential neighborhoods are also being investigated, according to one officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Opponents of the police actions against the tournaments argue that the laws on gambling in the province lack clarity.  They also suggested that even provincial government authorities appear to be confused about what is legal and what is not legal when it comes to the poker tournaments.

Posted on: January 22, 2007

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