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Land Poker Players Released |
Two outraged land poker gamblers felt vindication after a Provincial Court Judge released the two gamblers without a criminal record. The two players, Neil Faderson and Rellen Orcullo were a part of the 55 poker gamblers who were arrested in a police sting operation that sought out land poker gamblers who were not playing legally (ie. a registered venue licensed and regulated by the Manitoba Gaming Commission). A majority of the 55 arrested agreed to a plea deal, but two players took the issue to court and found out that they were in the right – or mostly in the right.
The sting operation is looked at by many as a bit excessive considering “Operation Kaleidoscope” as it was termed not only included gamblers at bars, but also poker games at a condominium – that’s where many draw the line. The vast majority of the arrested land poker and casino players (more than 50) chose to take a “positive lifestyles” class at the Salvation Army – which includes a section on problem and addictive land and online casinos gambling habits. Those choosing this option will not face any court time as long as they complete the course.
But Faderson and Orcullo were indignant in the implication that their poker gambling hobby meant that they should take a class covering problem gambling. And Judge Rocky Pollock agreed with the two gamblers by discharging them without a criminal record and with no requirement to take the Salvation Army course. Judge Pollock also noted though that if poker players and other land and online casinos gamblers want to see a change, they should consider taking the issue to the Members of Parliament.
Source:http://www.gamblecraft.com/ |