Greeks 'In a pickle'

The Greek authorities admitted, 'we're in a pickle' over the weekend as a confused police force stood idle as the anti-electronic gambling laws in the country fell apart.

Police were told not to interfere with anyone seen playing electronic equipment or using the Internet for gaming until the difference between legitimate games playing and gambling, both using the 'Net and with coin-operated equipment, had been established.

"Nobody from the members of the parliament realised or could foresee the effects that this would have for PC games, Internet games and game consoles, simply because they are not familiar with that side of technology," commented Nikos Kakayanis, managing director of a string of Internet cafes called The Web. "The Greek government banned computer and console games in an attempt to stop illegal gambling," continued Kakayanis. "The point is that although the government admitted that it is a tough measure they could not realise that banning computer games and consoles would be a major issue."

For reference, any form of gambling is strictly prohibited by the orthordox Greek church.