| Winnipeg Poker Players Accept Plea Bargain |
|
A least 30 Manitoba poker players charged after a gambling raid earlier this year have elected to fold their cards and take Manitoba justice officials up on a controversial plea bargain.
The large group of accused made their intentions known during a brief court appearance today. They will enroll in a "positive lifestyles" program through the Salvation Army, with the Crown promising to drop charges upon completion. Their next court appearance is slated for February.
More than two dozen other accused have elected to fight the charges at this time. All of them are without lawyers and have chosen to represent themselves in court. A pre-trial hearing has been set for January.
Winnipeg police conducted a series of raids in May on cash games around the city. Dubbed Project Kaleidoscope, the bust involved roughly 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. Six others were charged with keeping a common gaming house - in essence, hosting the poker games. 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. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
