MORE Indictments

[grimReaper]

http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/Publi...sIndicted.html

The following internet domain names were seized pursuant to court order:

Bookmaker.com
2Betsdi.com
Funtimebingo.com
Goldenarchcasino.com
Truepoker.com
Betmaker.com
Betgrandesports.com
Doylesroom.com
Betehorse.com
Beted.com.

[84621]

http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/Publi...sIndicted.html

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or

MARCIA MURPHY at 410-209-4885
May 23, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATORS OF INTERNET GAMBLING SITES AND THEIR BUSINESSES INDICTED FOR RUNNING AN ILLEGAL GAMBLING BUSINESS AND MONEY LAUNDERING



Bank Accounts and Domain Names for Internet Gambling Sites Seized



Baltimore Maryland - A federal grand jury has returned indictments charging two gambling businesses and three defendants with conducting an illegal gambling business and money laundering. The two indictments were returned on April 26, 2011 and unsealed today. As part of the investigation, 11 bank accounts located in Charlotte, North Carolina; Guam; Panama; Malta; Portugal; and the Netherlands; and domain names associated with 10 internet gambling sites were also seized today.



The following internet domain names were seized pursuant to court order:



Bookmaker.com
2Betsdi.com
Funtimebingo.com
Goldenarchcasino.com
Truepoker.com
Betmaker.com
Betgrandesports.com
Doylesroom.com
Betehorse.com
Beted.com.



Anyone who tries to access those web sites will be directed instead to a banner that provides notice that the domain name has been seized by order of the court. The banners are expected to be posted later today.



ThrillX Systems, Ltd., d/b/a BetEd; Darren Wright; and David Parchomchuk, both of British Columbia, Canada are charged in one indictment. K23 Group Financial Services, d/b/a BMX Entertainment; and Ann Marie Puig, age 35, of San Jose, Costa Rica are charged in a second indictment.



The indictments and seizures were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Sparkman of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Anne Arundel County Police Chief James Teare, Sr.; and Colonel Terrence Sheridan, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.



“It is illegal for internet gambling enterprises to do business in Maryland, regardless of where the website operator is located,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “We cannot allow foreign website operators to flout the law simply because their headquarters are based outside the country.”



“These indictments are the direct result of impressive undercover investigative work by our agents, along with the close collaboration of our law enforcement partners here in Maryland,” said William Winter, Special Agent in Charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Baltimore. “The proceeds from illegal Internet gambling are often used to fuel organized crime and support criminal activity. ICE HSI will work diligently to uncover illicit transactions involving these types of financial crimes. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will disrupt and dismantle organizations that commit these crimes, regardless of their location, whether here in the United States or abroad."



“Internet gambling, along with other types of illegal e-commerce, is an area of great interest to IRS Criminal Investigation,” said IRS Special Agent in Charge Rebecca A. Sparkman. “Laundering money from illegal activity such as illegal internet gambling is a crime. Regardless of how the money changes hands - via cash, check, wire transfers or credit cards - and regardless of where the money is stored - in a United States financial institution or an offshore bank - we will trace the funds. IRS Criminal Investigation will vigorously investigate and recommend prosecution against the owners and operators of these illegal enterprises to the fullest extent possible.”



According to the two count indictments and the affidavit filed in support of the seizure warrants, ThrillX, a registered company in British Columbia, Canada, with offices in Vancouver, Canada and San Jose, Costa Rica, is a software solutions provider producing online sports book and casino software. BMX Entertainment, based in Limassol, Cyprus, operates six websites that offer online sports betting services.



The indictments allege that the defendants own and manage illegal gambling businesses involving online sports betting. The affidavit alleges that online gambling sites are run by companies located outside of the U.S., while the majority of customers are in the U.S. Internet gambling operators rely upon the U.S. banking system, and more specifically, money-processing business generally called “payment processors,” to facilitate the movement of funds to and from their customers, the gamblers. Typically, an internet gambling operator directs the payment processor to collect funds from individual gamblers which are used to wager with the gambling organization. Those gambling proceeds are transferred to an offshore foreign bank. The internet gambling operator then sends a check or wire transfer from an offshore bank to the payment processor, directing the payment processor to distribute the money to gamblers for their winnings.



The affidavit filed in support of the seizure warrants alleges that Homeland Security Investigations in Baltimore, Maryland opened an undercover payment processor business, called Linwood Payment Solutions. Linwood allowed undercover agents to gain person-to-person contact with top managers of gambling organizations to discuss the Internet gambling business, to negotiate contracts and terms of the processing, and to handle the intricate movement and processing of collection and payment data from the gambling organizations to the banks.



The affidavit alleges that on November 12, 2009, a Maryland-based online gambler and cooperating informant confirmed that he/she frequented gambling sites, opened accounts and gambled in Maryland. The gambler agreed to set up online gambling accounts and was provided $500 to place bets on gambling websites. The gambler created an account on a BetEd website and placed several bets. On March 30, 2010, BetEd used Linwood to wire transfer $100 in winnings to the gambler’s bank account.



Linwood allegedly processed gambling transactions since 2009 for BetEd, K23 and other gambling organizations using banks located in Guam and Charlotte, North Carolina. According to the affidavit, between December 2009 and January 2011, Linwood processed over 300,000 transactions worth more than $33 million, including transactions for individuals in Maryland. Between February 2010 and March 2011 alone, BetEd directed Linwood to wire transfer over $2.5 million of collected gambling proceeds to bank accounts in Panama; and between February 2011 and April 2011, K23 directed Linwood to wire transfer over $91,000 of gambling proceeds to bank accounts in Portugal and Malta.



The indictments and affidavit seek the forfeiture of the bank accounts used to process the gambling transactions, as well as domain names of websites used by the defendants to further the online gambling transactions.



The defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for operating an illegal gambling business and a maximum of 20 years in prison for money laundering. No court appearance has been scheduled.



An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.



United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the agents from ICE-Homeland Security Investigations in Baltimore, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Philadelphia; IRS-Criminal Investigation; the Anne Arundel County Police Department; and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Richard C. Kay, who is prosecuting the case.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOME

[84621]

The following internet domain names were seized pursuant to court order:



Bookmaker.com
2Betsdi.com
Funtimebingo.com
Goldenarchcasino.com
Truepoker.com
Betmaker.com
Betgrandesports.com
Doylesroom.com
Betehorse.com
Beted.com.

HOME

funtimebingo my lifes now over

[travz21]

Fuck. I was about to put 1k on Merge tomorrow. Now I'm thinking otherwise. I need to play somewhere, though. Fuck! Don't know what to do.

[backwoodburna]

i was just about ta DEPO on carbon or lockpoker... they will probly be next

[pokerbucket]

If Doyle ends up going to jail and Howard doesn't I am gonna be pissed

[84621]

Fuck. I was about to put 1k on Merge tomorrow. Now I'm thinking otherwise. I need to play somewhere, though. Fuck! Don't know what to do.

if u do a western union transfer how would the DOJ know that americans r playing on merge?

[pokerbucket]

if u do a western union transfer how would the DOJ know that americans r playing on merge?

I am gonna pretend like I didn't just read this

[84621]

I am gonna pretend like I didn't just read this

laughing i loud

[liladypokerpro]

If Doyle ends up going to jail and Howard doesn't I am gonna be pissed

Doyle has nothing to worry about... he resigned his affiliation with his own room a week ago LOL Smart old codger, I must say... his last quote was that he'd return to the online market once it became legal... yeah... legal... lmao that's rich!!! Not in the Divided States of America!!!

I can't post the link to the article, but here is the article:

"It has been reported that Doyle Brunson has left DoylesRoom as a sponsored pro. First off we'll address the obvious, how in the name of all the poker gods can there be a DoylesRoom without Doyle Brunson when he's not dead? Apparently the company that runs and operates the U.S. facing poker room will retain likeness and trademark rights to DoylesRoom while Brunson has terminated his endorsement contract there.

According to a brief statement Brunson says "It pains me to leave at this time. I have aspirations of re-entering the online poker business when the United States Government passes legislation that officially legalize online poker sites and avoid jail time."

He goes on to say he has requested that DoylesRoom cease the use of his name and likeness, but of course the room has done no such thing. He will continue to play on the room and take part in the bounty games, but he has ceased operational connection with the room. Pure genius from my perspective. Stays connected with the room, but if the room is indicted in the future (which is relatively unlikely given its size) he is able to stay away from federal jail.

The big question is, would you ever play on DoylesRoom if the Godfather of Poker was not associated with the room at all? It's an interesting situation with Brunson's motive being rooted in the Black Friday events."

[iAzzSexurMom]

it will prolly be another week or so before the DOJ seizes merge, i couldn't see merge getting shutdown one day after 11 more domains get seized. they will prolly wait another 5 days and let these sites either forfeit over there properties or come to some type of resolve first before spending more funds issuing these orders

[liladypokerpro]

it will prolly be another week or so before the DOJ seizes merge, i couldn't see merge getting shutdown one day after 11 more domains get seized. they will prolly wait another 5 days and let these sites either forfeit over there properties or come to some type of resolve first before spending more funds issuing these orders

The expense hasn't stopped them yet... and why would it? They are seizing bank accounts and suing for unGodly sums of money to get them released... U.S. blackmail at its finest... our gov't is just a bunch of crooks... Think about it... this is not about whether Poker is a sport or a game... it's not about if it's luck or if it's skill... if that were the case (as they claim it to be) then we wouldn't be allowed to play AT ALL - for free or otherwise! This is SOLELY about all the unGodly sums of money the U.S. Government hasn't figured out a way to get ahold of until now...

[Squawk]

This ongoing saga is the only reason my money is still on full tilt and is not yet on carbon or black chip. The rakeback deals available right now are simply too good to miss, but I'm not willing to risk a cent (European player here btw), I can't see how any poker room operating in the US won't be seized.

Actually, as an aside and sorry for the derail, do you have to make a first deposit in order to get the rakeback deal on merge? I'll sign up for the 40%+ rakeback right now and deposit when the storm blows over.

[keanosdog]

This ongoing saga is the only reason my money is still on full tilt and is not yet on carbon or black chip. The rakeback deals available right now are simply too good to miss, but I'm not willing to risk a cent (European player here btw), I can't see how any poker room operating in the US won't be seized.

Actually, as an aside and sorry for the derail, do you have to make a first deposit in order to get the rakeback deal on merge? I'll sign up for the 40%+ rakeback right now and deposit when the storm blows over.

afaik you don't.

even if you do, is it not worth 20quid to take a risk?

[Squawk]

afaik you don't.

even if you do, is it not worth 20quid to take a risk?

20 quid is, without a doubt. however they are running a 200% sign up bonus atm, so I'd dump my whole roll on there if I felt safe.

[keanosdog]

20 quid is, without a doubt. however they are running a 200% sign up bonus atm, so I'd dump my whole roll on there if I felt safe.

with the way things are going though, you can't.

i'll never get how in the land of the free grown up mature adults are not allowed to do a simple thing like play poker/gamble.

[frob23]

This is frustrating. I would probably cash out everything but $100 on merge right now... except that I haven't played much this month and need to get the play-through from the bonus I won last month. I still have like $400 to rake to clear that bonus (I'll get some of that back plus the bonus though). I would be a lot closer but I've basically taken the month off due to work.

I'll have to focus on work until this weekend and then I might be able to get some play in. But unless I go up in limits, I am probably going to take a month to clear that amount of rake... even with serious play.

I hope things last at least until I can cash out. If not, well... it was a good run and hopefully I get my money off the site eventually.

[FlipCoach]

The expense hasn't stopped them yet... and why would it? They are seizing bank accounts and suing for unGodly sums of money to get them released... U.S. blackmail at its finest... our gov't is just a bunch of crooks... Think about it... this is not about whether Poker is a sport or a game... it's not about if it's luck or if it's skill... if that were the case (as they claim it to be) then we wouldn't be allowed to play AT ALL - for free or otherwise! This is SOLELY about all the unGodly sums of money the U.S. Government hasn't figured out a way to get ahold of until now...

Couldn't agree more. But this is what happens when you have a society where income taxation is considered normal.

If the Fed gov't thinks it owns us as individuals (through forced income taxation), how can we expect them not to think they 'own' everything else?

Of course the gov't isn't all "crooks". At least one politician I've seen has been attempting to legalize internet gaming since the UIGEA was passed (and of course he voted against that port security bill). That would be.... Ron Paul.

http://www.nichepoker.net/poker-news/ron-paul-poker/ (can find a million more similar articles if you google.)

The really great part is that he's actually *personally* against gaming.... what??

Yes, he wants to follow the constitution, which limits the federal govt's ability to even pass legislation like this.

These are the kinds of people we need running the country. Fortunately he's running for President.

If you are a poker player and you're fed up with being told what to do, what to look at, and what websites you can see - I hope you'll at least consider voting Ron Paul. And yes he's running as a Republican - but trust me, he's no Dick Cheney. For information on how to register Republican just to vote for him in the primaries you can see the forums on the Daily Paul: http://www.dailypaul.com/165288/regi...blican-primary

Look him up, see what you think.

From his website:

"An income tax is the most degrading and totalitarian of all possible taxes. Its implementation wrongly suggests that the government owns the lives and labor of the citizens it is supposed to represent."

[travz21]

Long live Ron Paul.