Barcelona is hot for online poker and gaming this month with the EPT Barcelona Open and a series of Internet gaming conferences (The European i-Gaming Congress and Expo and the Casino Affiliate Program - CAP).

Barcelona's beauty is a stark contrast to its underworld of gypsies and petty criminals. Tourists - especially those in town for big money and gambling-related events - become easy targets.

We actually spoke with a taxi driver while in Ireland who informed us that seven of his eight friends had been robbed while in Barcelona. Those of us from Gambling911.com witnessed an old lady have her purse snatched right before our eyes.

Standing out on the street with an open map in hand like painting a bull's eye across your chest and an invitation "Robe por favor de mí" translated to: "Please Rob Me!".

Then there are those scams that Gambling911.com readers must be made aware of. It's one thing to hold on tight to your personal property. It's quite another to fall victim to a very well orchestrated street scam, of which there are many.

You do not want to walk about Barcelona without reading this website first:

Yes, you can still be tricked in an entertaining way into giving people money on the Ramblas in Barcelona. But, you can also be attacked, have teeth knocked out, be set on fire, and be strangled, all in the process of having your bag snatched.

It's not just Barcelona proper. There are numerous incidents of criminal groups working the airport, so hold on tight to your bags at all times.

Barcelona is a great place to visit, full of history and fun....Just be careful.

As for the EPT Barcelona Open, here was your leader board after Day 1A:

Michael Murra: 85,000

Ramzi Jelassi: 70,000

Andre Akkari: 63,400

Michael Keiner: 62,000

Jesper Hougaard: 58,000

Jason Mercier: 47,500

Daniel Mangas: 41,000

Chad Brown: 33,800

Isaac Haxton: 32,500

Robert Mizrachi: 28,100