A gang of masked men have robbed a major casino in Basel, they have captured hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs, less than a week after the Swiss government has approved the expansion of casino gambling.

Last Sunday, about 10 men dressed in black committed a daring robberyin the Grand Casino Basel. The robbers came driving to the casino in a couple of gray Audi sedans with French plates, and then forced the door. Once inside, the men threatened with machine guns and pistols and the men forced the 600 guests and staff on the ground, according to a statement. Researchers say that the men spoke French. The casino is about 650 meter from the Swiss-French border, and five minutes from the airport of Basel.

Some of the men began emptying the cash registers, while others tried unsuccessfully to break open the safe by shooting at the door. A few guests and casino security guards suffered minor injuries in small struggles. The men fled in the direction of the French border, where the Swiss police lost them . The prosecutor said that the thieves have captured hundreds of thousands francs. French and Swiss authorities are cooperating in the search for the men.

The theft happened just one weeks after the Swiss government approved for regions that currently do not have casinos, to apply for a license this year.