CNMI Looks At Poker Related Crime

As reported by the CNMI online news source the Saipan Tribune, local officials are taking a look at any possible links between poker and related crime. Over the last four years, according to the Department of Public Safety, there have been at least 634 crimes and offenses that occurred at poker establishments.The breakdown is: 166 poker-related theft cases, 140 counts of assault, 132 cases of disturbing the peace, 22 burglary related cases, 12 child abuse or neglect cases and 133 cases of criminal mischief. There were two rape cases that happened on the premises of poker establishments and one homicide. There was one case of a dead person being found in a poker establishment.Former pubic defender Masood Karimipour insists that this is indicative of the hidden cost of gambling establishment, which should be measured along side the obvious benefits, such as gambling revenues.