Happy New Year to everyone.

[JK.]

I know it is a little late Australian time but it is only six pm here in Moscow.
Anyway all the best for 2012 to all PNW readers and posters.
JK

[dr_protocol]

Cheers JK; same to you.

[Norman]

Happy New Year everyone!!

What's happening in Moscow JK? clubs still running the risk out there?

I was reading about an ex-pat manager or director, of one of the big casino's there. He went to jail for some time because the casino kept operating after the deadline.
Seems like the authorities don't take it lightly !!

[thret]

Ditto.

[JK.]

His name is Darren and a really nice guy.
His arrest was political.He was only the manager and they were paying a lot of money to the authorities.Being a casino they had to pay a lot.
The problem was that one of the American owners of the company which owned the two casinos said a few provocative things on TV.Idiot !
Did he think he could fight the corrupt government of Russia?
Had he shut up he would still be operating the casinos in Russia.

Arresting Darren was a reprisal for what Michael B.said.They really wanted Michael B. but they made a statement in arresting Darren.
What they were saying was just don't get involved in the politics.You can make all the money you want ,just pay your bribes and don't cross the line.

And answer to your question.Yes the clubs are operating all over Russia.
There are several hundred in Moscow alone.
Every so often the police pretend they are working and break up couple of clubs which don't have serious protection.
The whole scene is like the one in NSW(Australia)back in the 80's.
Every major town in NSW had a casino(and poker)under the protection of the NSW police.Wollongong,Newcastle,Lake Entrance,Gosford you name it.
Sydney was swamped with casinos and clubs.

Russian police must have taken a page from the NSW police of the 1980's.

[Tam]

Happy New Year JK, and to all.

[Newcastlenick]

Same to you my friend

[FSL009]

Happy New year all

a few weeks away from a computer with the kids, a tent and some fishing gear has completely killed my desire to play poker even on a part time hobby basis.

but I am sure that desire will come back real soon when i stop losing money and book a winning session...please god just one....

best of luck for a great 2012 to you all.