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Internet Gambling CEO Arrested by FBI
tightpoker writes to mention the news that several key individuals associated with online gambling site BetonSports have been indicted in a Missouri courtroom. Founder Stephen Kaplan, CEO David Carruthers, 9 other people and four corporations have been charged with crimes ranging from racketeering to fraud. The Sunday Time reports on the story as well, addressing fears this may be a prelude to a crackdown on all online gambling by U.S. law enforcement. From the article: "Nigel Parson, leisure analyst at Williams de Broë, said the move would 'throw online gambling stocks into a spin,' adding: 'David Carruthers is a prominent advocate of online gambling. The fear that this is an escalation of the anti-lobby will trouble markets.' Greg Harris, an analyst at Cannacord, said: 'It is too early to say if this is part of a broader strategy on prevention of internet gambling in the U.S. or if it is the Department of Justice flexing their muscles and trying to influence legislation.'"
So all of this does, outside of keeping all Gambling Web site owners out of the country, is?
III.IIVIVIXIIVIVIIIVVIIIIXVIIIXIIIIIIIIVIIIIVVIII
Before I jump to conclusions, my question is this: Are they really guilty of fraud and racketeering (very serious crimes that should be severely punished), or is this just an excuse to try to stop online gambling? I would be interested in seeing and hearing the evidence that gets presented before making up my mind.
Of course, both sides are going to claim what will support their viewpoint.
On the one hand, the DoJ has been itching for any excuse to go after these folks for a long time, which doesn't help the perception of them. If they had remained legally neutral to the matter and just stuck to what the law says, I sure would be more comfortable that they actually have our best interest at heart and that they're not just pandering to right-wing nutcases.
On the other, the online gambling industry is one that is notoriously rife with fraud, and it's entirely possible that these guys are scum that have been doing what they're accused of or worse. For the sake of their industry, I hope that they have realized the scrutiny that they've been under and have made very diligent efforts to stay clean and legitimate and can prove so in court. Otherwise, these two may very well have doomed their entire industry, even the players that are 100% honest and that just want to provide an entertainment service.
I think that the most telling sign of what the truth is is whether the DoJ starts chasing down all online gambling houses for "fraud" and "racketeering." At any rate, it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.
I thought most executives of gambling sites lived outside of the U.S. to avoid this very problem. If his company was taking in billions, there's no reason why he couldn't afford a nice estate in the Caymans.
Completely off topic, but out of curiosity...
Where, in the bible, does it say anything about the morality or immorality of gambling? It speaks out against adultery, incest, rape (especially where it says the rapist has to marry the girl), but I must have missed the meeting where they added anything about gambling.
Skeptical Limericks
By this logic, the government would *want* to legalize online gambling, since they could then tax it.
No, sorry - revenue has nothing to do with this. It's "What about the children" syndrome running rampant again.
Where, in the bible, does it say anything about the morality or immorality of gambling? It speaks out against adultery, incest, rape (especially where it says the rapist has to marry the girl)
Suddenly, "magic golden plates" don't seem so crazy, do they?
"Illegal commercial gambling across state and international borders is a crime," said U.S Attorney Catherine Hanaway of the Eastern District of Missouri in a press release. "Misuse of the Internet to violate the law can ultimately only serve to harm legitimate businesses.
I'm from Missouri, and I know who those legitimate businesses are. Harrahs, Ameristar, The Casino Queen, and The President. And I bet (pardon the pun) that I know who they donate to. I'm looking at you, Catherine Hanaway.
Your sig(k) has been stolen. There is a puff of smoke!
First they go after big fish in the online gambling market who are operating within the US.
Then they run out of those.
Next they go after big fish in the online gambling market who are operating outside the US.
Other governments tell US to go DIAF
US sees the only other way to address problems as going after the gamblers instead.
US uses this as a reason to further OK tracking all internet traffic.
We know where that goes.
There's no good outcome from this path. But greed will drive politicians to it.
I'm a fiscal conservative, it's a pity we don't have a political party anymore
Actually, it's not just online gambling.
There are numerous "cashless" casinos in my area. There was a surge of them. You bought a monthly membership, vouchers, however each one chose to set up, and you would compete for material prizes such as televisions, event tickets, and so on. Most of these casinos also donated 10% of their monthly earnings to charities.
The problem came about first when the local government realized they weren't getting anything special from these gambling halls, and when a small, small, small yet vocal group protested them, saying how their significant others were throwing away large amounts of money to be part of these casinos. This group launched a campaign and instead of seeking help for their loved ones, just wanted the places shut down. Not getting a lot of incentive from the casinos themselves, pressure was put on. I believe only two of the "game rooms" are still in business now.
Those who believe the Internet is private,
find their privates are on the Internet.
It is a legitimate business. At least, it is here in the UK, and in most other countries.
The US makes laws that criminalize activities by non-US citizens that take place entirely outside the US. How else could David Carruthers have been arrested, when his business is based in Costa Rica?
Athletic Scholarships to universities make as much sense as academic scholarships to sports teams.
This has possible interesting ramifications for the few "Legal" online gambling sites. There are a few AFAIK legal hybrid online gambling sites operated in the U.S. by U.S. Casino's (and NJ state no less). There is the cyberslingo system run by NJ lottery, you buy a ticket and play the game online. And there is Playaway, where you buy a ticket at the casino and go home to play, which is operating in a handful of casino's in Nevada. Ironically the same system was in Foxwoods in CT but was shutdown by the Attorney General.
l /cmd/loteriesMM/concept
http://www.freeplayaway.com/
http://www.ingenio-quebec.com/ingeniointernationa
on the freeplayaway you can see the sites and play some games.
What this amounts to is that Americans have no concept of freedom or property rights such as they claim. If I have $10 and wish to wager it on the outcome of an event that has a certain chance of success or failure, I am not hurting anyone other than myself. The irony is that if they would have paid taxes (which I consider to be nothing more than extortion) on their earnings to the federal government it sounds like they would have been allowed to survive unmolested. It just goes to show the lengths to which our government will go to stomp on our natural rights. The only moral right we have as humans is to proceed with the course of our action as long as it doesn't forcibly harm anyone else. We are denied this every day in multiple ways. I fear that we have been conditioned to accept this as a legitimate cost of being in society. All the while, the fat cats in charge are laughing at how easy it is for them to earn a living at others expense.
That's how ALL gambling laws are determined. How many states have lotteries, but outlaw all other forms of gambling? Hardly any government official is against gambling as long as they get a cut.
It's not the first time something like this has happened though. I seem to recall the FBI arresting a bunch of USAians who'd set up offshore gambling sites a while back. And if you ever had anything to do with helping to break copyright protection encryption you'd best steer clear of this country. If you've ever worked on an OSS encryption product you might want to avoid the USA, too. Never know when our guys might get a bug up their ass and arrest you as an international arms distributor or something like that.
As for the US Citizens, you ARE registering to vote and voting against the incumbent, right? Chances are the guy you're voting against is retarded. Chances are the guy you're voting for is too, but it'll be a few years before he establishes the ties to do much damage and by then you can help vote him out again.
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?