India’s burgeoning poker scene suffered a significant setback late last week after the recently opened Stars Poker Room in Bangalore was raided by police.
Stars Poker Room, which is jointly operated by poker veteran Rajeev Raut and local businessman Krishna G, only opened its doors a few weeks ago and was in the midst of its maiden tournament series when police stormed the room, according to local poker publication Gutshot. Around 60 players were still in the tournament at the time.
A number of poker businesses have suffered a similar fate in India in recent times with Rockets Poker Room in Jayanagar and House of Kards in Basavanagudi both raided last year. This is despite the Bengaluru High Court ruling recently that poker is a game of skill and therefore doesn’t constitute illegal gambling.
As of Friday there was no news on the status of the Stars Poker Room other than their inaugural tournament series being officially cancelled.
WGM tried to contact Stars Poker Room’s operators for comment but received no response.
