DUBAI // Four of 16 men accused of operating a casino in Jumeirah Beach Residence were each sentenced to a year in prison this morning.
Emiratis EM, 34, EA, 39, Uzbek RM, 30, and Bangladeshi AS, 29, who faced charges of running and operating the casino were sentenced to a year in prison by Dubai Criminal Court. The rest of the defendants were charged with gambling and received a three-month sentence.
The casino, Volcano Electronic Games, was licensed as a playing centre but had 35 gambling machines and poker tables.
A number of police officers were sent undercover to gamble in the casino on April 17 last year. "I paid Dh500 and was then directed to a machine on which I played and won Dh1,800," said AM, 24-year-old Emirati lieutenant.
"Five per cent from the won amount would be deducted for the benefit of the casino," said AM.
After AM was handed the money, police raided the casino and arrested the suspects.
All non Emirati defendants will be deported after serving their jail terms.
