No poker for Phua

Paul Phua’s application to be permitted to play poker whilst he awaits judicial decisions on illegal sports betting charges in Las Vegas (see previous reports) has been refused by Judge Carl Hoffman.

Malaysian national Phua and his son Darren are out on bail of $2.5 million but may not leave Las Vegas until a $13 million illegal sports betting case has been finalised. The duo currently await a judicial ruling on whether FBI actions at the time of their mid-2014 arrest were legal.

Whilst out on bail the two defendants are constrained by court order from participating in gambling activity.

The Associated Press new agency reports that in his ruling Thursday Judge Hoffman rejected defence lawyers’ arguments that poker poses no risk, and assurances that the Phuas wouldn’t flee the country.

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