Latin American Poker Tour(credit: LAPT official web site)
242 bought their way into the Latin American Poker Tour stop in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico last week. Late on Day 1, tournament officials had to suspend play at the Marival Resorts and Suites. After some intense talks with local authorities, the event was cancelled outright.
The remaining 89 players will split the prize pool, receiving at least $5,000 for their efforts. The remaining funds will be distributed based on chip counts at the time of the suspension.
Poker Stars issued this statement regarding the incident:
The Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) confirms that it is canceling 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 compiled 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.
Qualifiers for the Viña del Mar, Chile event are going on now at Poker Stars!