www.CostaRicaTicas.com

While I was playing some blackjack yesterday about 15 cops raided the Horseshoe yesterday and we were told to cash out and GET OUT. I have heard two versions of the story of what happened. The first is that they were closed for a liquor sales (upstairs) violation, the same as they were the night before. If this is the case then I expect they will re-open within a couple of days. The second is far more serious for them.There is an existing law on the books in CR that FORBIDS a Casino to be housed unless it is attached to an 80+ room hotel. That is why Shelby (the owner of the Colonial) built the Sleep Inn hotel and attached an overhang between the hotel and the casino. If they have finally closed the Horseshoe for this,it may be a LONG time before they re-open.

Hmmm, it's been an interesting morning.

1. Tropical Storm Ernesto is bearing down on Florida.
2. A Delta/Comair flight (#5191, Bombardier CRJ100) crashes on its way to Atlanta.
3. The Horseshoe gets shut down.

Is this a sign of the apocalypse? Maybe I should rethink this trip.

Let's analyze this:
1. The storm isn't due to hit north FLA until Thurs. I leave ATL on Wed. night. We should be able to miss it and hopefully fly over any bad spots.
2. I'm flying in a B757, not the same type of aircraft.
3. There is always the Paradiso and Colonial casinos.

I'm a gambler but fortunately not superstitious.
OK, I'm still in.

Whatever the reason, there were at least a half dozen, probably more outside for hours and hours. A gringo told me it was for tax evasion, but I just add that because rumours are fun. I'll miss the ATM machine, that's about all.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

I was told yesterday that the closure was for the cash sales of liquor without the proper licensing. (In other words,proper payoffs necessary to re-open). Jaimeone of the owners, was in there "working" on the problem yesterday) They are expecting to open today. I guess the hotel issue will come up in the future.

They were open last night...but didnt look like much action there. Didnt go in...but was told they opened in the early afternoon. Yep, the usual ballet of govt versus business...who pays off...or when your tax bill is due. Just part of the scenary when you do business down here...

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All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts...

Here's the latest, as reported in today's (Aug. 30th) A.M. Costa Rica:

Horseshoe Casino closed by municipal officials over license flap
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Dispute over a business license has caused the Municipalidad de San José to close down temporarily the Horseshoe Casino at Avenida 1 and Calle 9.
The casino seems to have been in a long-running battle with the municipality.

Such closures are not unusual in Costa Rica where rules change rapidly as do interpretations. Obtaining and maintaining a business license can be a chore. A recent sweep through the same area resulted in the closing of at least nine businesses who had flaws in their paperwork, according to the municipality.

The Horseshoe was remodeled about four years ago from an unsuccessful strip club that also had its problems with local officials. The premises include a bar and a poker room.

The Horseshoe has been successful lately in attracting out-of-town gaming customers and housing them in nearby hotels.

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

The Horseshoe is closed AGAIN.This go-round has been for more than a week. I assume it is for the same liquor violation. Last week Russ (who works there running the poker games) was told they would re-open on Thursday.Then on Thursday they told him Saturday.As of yesterday (Tuesday) they were still closed. I feel for the poor employees who are obviously given the same run-around about coming to work.You can be sure they aren't being paid during this period.

I wonder if the "no hotel" connection finally caught up with them?
I sure hope not.

Once they find the appropriate person to bribe, they will re-open.

Teh $2.99 steak and eggs were not bad - better than the service.

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"Ah, if only I had brought a cigar with me! This would have established my identity." - Charles Dickens

Still closed..... Maybe Witling is right here.Maybe the Hotel issue has really caught up with them.

Have no idea what the issues are at the Horseshoe, but as stated in a alternate thread, Russ and his NL Texas Holdem game has found a new home at the Paradiso Casino / Amon Plaza.
https://costaricaticas.com/news.php?id=267

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Thank you for supporting CRT!

Still closed as of yesterday. I have been pretty lucky betting on football lately,however I am a little concerned about my money.I have an account at the sportsbook at the Horseshoe.I called Tuesday and was told not to worry that they would be opening yesterday. Oh well,this IS Costa Rica.

A friend of mine owns the Costa Rica Whitehouse in Escazu. He opened a casino there in July. He has only 15 rooms. I asked him about the law with regards to number of rooms, his comment was he has a good lawyer and had the law changed. Probably greased the right wheel!

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GG
"Last time I said no......I misunderstood the question!"

Talked to Erica yesterday (she dealt in the casino). The word they are getting is that it will not open anytime soon. The employees are all interviewing all over town.


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