European Poker Tour Moscow Event Now Looks In Doubt

The future of EPT Moscow looked uncertain last night following a decision by the Russian Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism to remove poker from its list of official sports. The change in policy has already resulted in hundreds of casinos and slot machine halls closing in the capital city of Moscow.

The Russian Minister for Youth, Sport and Tourism, Vitaly Mutko, confirmed the order: "We have made a change in the Russian list of sports, approved by the order of the Russian State physical training and sport committee on January 1, 2004. We have struck poker off the list."

The 6th season of the PokerStars European Poker Tour was due to commence on August 18th in Moscow but the EPT Moscow event now looks in doubt as the change in status may make it impossible for international poker players to attain the necessary visas to travel for the event.