Police in Moscow have raided another illegal gambling den in the north of the city, disguised as a VIP members club with only invited and pre-arranged appointments accepted entry is thought to have brought in $1.4 million in revenues a week for the operators.
Following the raid thirty customers and twenty staff and managers were arrested. As the raid took place staff tried to burn documents and evidence linking the operators to the casino.
The illegal casino had some sixty slot machines, five poker tables and five roulette tables, the security surrounding the business was impressive police spokesman said, “the casino was disguised as a well-guarded private club, equipped with armoured doors. Security personnel let people inside after prior agreement with the management,” said the police spokesman.
Since the ban on casinos came into force on July 1, 2009 hundreds of illegal casinos have sprung up over the city. It is believed billions of dollars are still gambled illegally every year in Moscow. Police seem to be failing in enforcing the ban, with many officials arrested themselves for corruption in links with illegal casino operators.
