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Cops Bust Illegal Casino on Novy Arbat

Police have closed a large casino on Novy Arbat and confiscated gambling tables and slot machines.

The illegal outfit occupied two levels on a four-story deserted building on Novy Arbat, had a separate entrance with heavy vault doors and extensive CCTV surveillance, Moscow police said in a statement on their website.

"There were specially made tables for playing poker, four tables for roulette and 34 slot machines. All gaming devices have been confiscated, actions are being taken to identify those behind the club," the statement said.

It was not immediately clear when police raided the casino, but it is the second time that police have discovered gambling halls on Novy Arbat in less than a year.

In February, police confiscated 58 slot machines from another casino located in an unmarked nonresidential building.

According to a law signed in July 2011 by former President Dmitry Medvedev, people found operating illegal gambling halls face a fine of up to $12,000 and up to three years in prison.

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