"I think it was a fair judgment -- people were found in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said. "Clearly this is a criminal offence, but I don't think people thought it was -- people didn't understand it."

Police seized more than $4,000 from the four men at the time of their arrest May 29.

The Right Spot Sports Bar owner Siykan (Ken) Wong, Andrija Hrstic, and Francis Simpson were also found gambling in Room 3 of the Gold Range at the end of May.

Judge Michel Bourassa handed all four men a conditional discharge, nine months probation, as well as an order to pay $200 each to a charity of their choice within two months. The discharge frees the men from the stigma of a criminal record for the offence.

In his judgment, Bourassa pointed out that there's no excuse for people like Paulette and Wong to be found gambling.

"These men should have known better, particularly Mr. Wong and Mr. Paulette. These are not unsophisticated individuals."

Bourassa told the court that the convictions will send a message to other people that gambling is illegal behavior that can often be associated with other crimes.

"An illegal game of poker attracts other illegal acts and these men were right in the middle of it."

He also said that gambling won't be tolerated in the NWT, and suggested gamblers go elsewhere to wager their money. "If these men want to gamble, they can buy lottery tickets or buy a plane ticket," he added.

Outside the courtroom after he was convicted, Paulette said he has no intention of resigning from his position at the Metis Nation over the incident.