Online gambling bust in Dubai

Sixteen men were sentenced to jail terms for operating an illegal casino and arranging online poker games and gambling in an electronic games shop in Jumeirah Beach by the Dubai Court of First Instance this week.

Four of the men were jailed for a 12 month term while the other twelve were sentenced to three months each.  Thirteen of those who are non-Emirati defendants will be deported according to a report in the Gulf News.

Court records point at the installation of Cassava Enterprises-powered LotosPoker software on gaming machines enabling patrons to access online games with Party Poker and Party Casino specifically mentioned.

The sting undertaken by Dubai Police authorities was initiated following a complaint by an informant.  Arrests were affected following an undercover policeman paying Dh500 (US$ 136) to play online poker at the establishment.  He won Dh1800 (US$490) of which the illegal gambling house deducted five percent profit off his winnings.

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