British military authorities ordered the destruction of illegal gambling equipment seized in raids on illegal casinos in Cyprus.
The Brits smashed equipment worth tens of thousands of euros, including professional-grade poker, roulette, and blackjack tables, and slot machines seized from two illegal casinos.
The equipment served as evidence in seven separate court cases and was destroyed afterward.
Britain retained two military bases on Cyprus after it regained its independence in 1960, and gambling is illegal on the British military bases.
The two gambling operations primarily responsible for the destroyed equipment were operating within the territories of the British bases, thus making them illegal.
Although Britain bans gambling on its military bases, Cyprus is moving ahead with plans to open a hotel and casino resort to attract more tourists.
