The operator of an illegal gambling establishment in French Polynesia has been given a two-year jail sentence and fined $US150,000.
Roulette Wheel Photo: (Pixabay CC0 Public Domain)
The man was among nine accused in court on charges of running an illegal gambling outfit in Punaauia which had been described as a non-profit organisation.
However, the court was told that in the premises he organised poker and roulette games that earned him about $US20,000 a week.
With the money he hired staff, who have now also been convicted and given suspended prison sentences.
The owners of the premises, who claimed to be unaware of the gambling operation, have been acquitted.
The defence said the case showed hypocrisy because it was legal to gamble online.
The jail sentence will be appealed.
