Free pass for Manitoba poker accuseds

02/11/2008

In last year's police raids of Winnipeg club poker games a total of 57 players had their names taken by almost the same number of cops involved in the two busts. This week the first two players accused of being present in unauthorised common gaming houses were discharged without criminal record.

To achieve this, the first two to be discharged had to enroll in a "positive lifestyles" program at the Salvation Army...and the same conditions have been offered to the other players picked up in last May's raids.

The deal offered by the enforcement authorities is a plea of guilty and agreement to attend the course in return for which a discharge with no criminal record is available, reports the Winnipeg Free Press. It is understood that the majority of players involved have accepted the offer.

However, some have decided to contest the charges despite a likely trial date that runs into 2009, and have elected to represent themselves in court, reportedly offended by the implications of taking a Salvation Army course that includes a section on problem gambling.

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