It happened fast, and it happened without warning.  The raid of billionaire online gaming tycoon Calvin Ayre's mansion in San Jose, Costa Rica has turned out to be a very big flop so far.  In what could very possibly be a giant (and very successful) publicity stunt, has drawn massive attention to Ayre and his online gambling site, Bodog.com.  It has also caused a stir for Ayre's upcoming reality poker series on FOX Sports television.

The raid took place during the wrap party for the filming of the reality show, which had more than 100 people in attendance, including scantily clad models, body guards, television crew members and Ayre himself.  Although the Forbes billionaire was not arrested, two bodyguards - who were actually actors for the reality show - were.  Police reports indicated that foreigners are not permitted to provide security in Costa Rica.

Despite no apparent wrongdoing, every sqaure foot of Ayre's $3.5 million mansion - including the underwater cave in his pool - were scoured for illegal evidence.  Busloads of police officers were present, many of which were quoted saying they did not understand why they were participating in the raid.  However, the warrant indicates there were calls made to police suggesting he was running an illegal poker game as well as suspicion of operating an illegal prostitution ring.  But by the end of it all, the only evidence confiscated from Ayre's mansion were a legally permitted pistol and two computers.

While it is legal for Ayre to operate his online casino server from Costa Rica, the majority of his billion-dollar business comes from American gamblers.  This has some wondering if the US Department of Justice encouraged the raid, especially since Ayre was recently featured on the cover of Forbes Magazine.  At this stage in the game, Ayre has no charges filed against him, and Bodog.com continues to do business as usual - Only now, Ayre has even more of a stir going for his huge online betting empire.