Swedish poker has taken a hit. In what was billed as the European Poker Challenge, six men have been indicted on charges of operating an unlicensed poker tournament. The event had attracted a field of 700 who ponied up the 250 Euro buy in, plus 30 Euro which went to the organizers as fees. For those of you who may be mathematically challenged, that resulted in a prize pool of 175 000 Euro which equals just shy of $250,000 USD.

However, the Swedish authorities had something to say about the awarding of a 50000 Euro first prize, as they raided the joint not long after the first hand had been dealt. Also charged in the incident were the two men who rented out the facility, as providing a venue for illegal gaming is treated the same as operating the gaming under Swedish law.

The highly publicized event being interrupted is just another chapter in the ongoing battle within a Swedish government trying to deal with a game that has swept the nation. The authorities have promised to be more aggressive in regards to dealing with underground poker, which is rampant across the nation. Prosecution declares this as “one of the largest cases of this kind”, and trial has been set in November. All accused have denied the accusations, which carry a maximum prison term of four years behind bars.

Well at least the Swedes have a lot of hot chicks, can’t say the same for the UK however in this link.