Canadian regulator closes Montreal poker house following investigation
The attorney for the owners claims the commission was given ‘false information.’
A Canadian poker house in Kahnawake has received an order to shut its doors following a consultation between the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, according to a CTV Montreal local news report.
The commission said in an official statement that it issued Magic Palace a permit suspension “based on numerous concerns arising out of investigations conducted over the past several months.”
The statement went on to add, “The effect of this directive is that Magic Palace must immediately close all of its gaming operations – including both electronic gaming devices and poker room tables – pending further decision by the commission.”
According to the attorney representing the owners, Kahnawake Peacekeepers showed up and asked customers to vacate the building. Patrons were also asked to leave Mirela’s restaurant, which shares the same building as the poker house.
Magic Palace said it plans to file an appeal. The business’ attorney, Pierre L’Ecuyer, told local news that an appeal will be submitted within 30 days. L’Ecuyer alleges that the commission received “false information” regarding Montreal resident Luftar Hysa, who is an investor and consultant.
Due to the report, the commission determined that Hysa was “unsuitable to be licensed by the commission as a key person,” causing Magic Palace to “cut ties with him.”
L’Ecuyer shared with local news why he believes the current allegations have no merit.
He commented, “They’ve (allegations) been there for about a year and it stems from the fact that Mr. Hysa, who’s an investor, had some allegations made in Mexico where he has some casinos.
“Mr. Hysa has been completely cleared and it was clear that these allegations were made because people in the same business wanted Mr. Hysa out of the business.”
Magic Palace is located on Montreal’s South Shore, along Route 132. Mirela’s will be permitted to reopen once the entrance to the gaming house has been blocked, the local report said.
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