Cops Close Clandestine Casino

Ecuador's National Police have raided and closed a north Guayaquil casino that was running a "national" poker tournament in violation of the nation's three-year-old casino ban.

Police seized and will turn over to the Fiscal (district attorney) chips, bettors' records, unlicensed liquor, and gaming devices from last weekend's raid. 

Three individuals believed responsible for the tournament were detained.  They may be prosecuted for "delitos flagrantes" -- serious felonies -- facing possible prison time of up to six months.

Police searched the car of the alleged administrator's wife and seized several thousand dollars in cash from the vehicle.

The estimated 70 people who may have been playing poker at the 7-table gambling hall apparently were allowed to leave without incident.

The venue was identified as being near metro Guayaquil's "Voltaire Paladines Polo" coliseum.

source:  Ecuadorian news outlet 'Ecuador al Día'