Paul Phua and Son Prohibited From Playing Poker: Judge’s Order

LAS VEGAS (Associated Press) — A judge says a Malaysian businessman and his son can't play poker at Las Vegas casinos while they await a ruling on whether the FBI illegally entered their hotel suites to investigate what prosecutors say was a $13 million illegal Internet gambling ring.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carl Hoffman said Thursday he won't lift an order for Wei Seng "Paul" Phua and his son, Darren Wai Kit Phua, not to gamble while they're free on a combined $2.5 million bail.

Hoffman rejected defense lawyers' arguments that poker poses no risk, and their assurances that the Phuas wouldn't flee the country.

Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen is expected to decide soon whether undercover investigators illegally searched several Caesars Palace suites.

Defense attorneys want the evidence that was obtained and the case against the Phuas thrown out.