Latin American Poker Tour has Mexico Stop Cancelled

After an unexpected turn of events, PokerStars' Latin American Poker Tour stop in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, has been cancelled.

Eighty-nine of the original 242 entries remained Friday at the Marival Resorts and Suites, when local gaming officials shut the tournament down at about 10:30 p.m. local time. The tournament director instructed all players and spectators to leave the area and the 89 survivors could return at noon on Saturday for an update. It was there that they learned that the gaming officials had decided to rescind the gaming license of the LAPT.

With 242 enries at $2,500 a pop, 27 players were supposed to paid out of the $585,850 prize pool. After the cancellation, the 89 survivors were forced to chop up the unawarded cash. Each would take out double their buy-in ($5,000), as well as their portion of a chop, designated by the size of their chip stack. In addition, PokerStars is throwing in an extra $500 to each player, due to the unfortunate ending.

When play concluded, American Victor Ramdin had 53,000 chips and was right near the chip lead. Former Main Event winner Greg Raymer was also still holding onto chips.

Here is the official statement from www.lapt.com:

"The Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) confirms that it is cancelling the poker tournament in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, due to an indefinite suspension served on one of its local partners.

The LAPT states it has cooperated fully and in good faith with the requirements outlined by the Mexican government. The LAPT respects and abides by local regulations in each market.

LAPT's partner in Mexico obtained a formal ruling from the Mexican Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) allowing the event to take place. As the LAPT complied with every rule stipulated by the Code of the Mexican Federal Law of Games and Raffles, the reasons for suspension are being reviewed by lawyers of all parties."

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