Betfair Threatens to Leave United Kingdom
The world’s largest online betting exchange, Betfair, which went public earlier this month and is valued at £1.4bn, is threatening to exit the United Kingdom over the The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) “unreasonable” racing levy.
Potato Peeler Robber Who Held Up Bookies Gets 5 Years Prison
In one of the more bizarre robberies ever reported, a man was sentenced to 5 years behind bars for robbing a bookmaker. The weapon: A potato peeler!
Gary McGain, 29, hid the peeler in a sock so it looked like a gun and pointed it at a cashier’s head.
McGain appears to have been a serial robber, having hit the same bookmakers on at least one previous occasion.
Gambino Crime Family Associate Andrew Merola Sentenced to 11 Years
A Gambino Crime family associate, Andrew Merola of Toms River, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 11 years for his role in an elaborate racketeering and sports betting ring.
22 of Merola’s co-defendants had already pled guilty to crimes that included fraud, extortion, loan-sharking and sports betting.
"Any which way they could make money, they wouldn't hesitate to seize the moment," said former federal prosecutor Ronald Wigler, who led the case.
Online Sportsbook Complaints For Last Week of October 2010
A series of online sportsbook complaints occurring across the World Wide Web are being monitored by Gambling911.com the final week of October 2010.
Gambling to Blame for Former Georgetown, NBA Player’s Shooting
The October 21 shooting of former NBA player Charles E. Smith in the Fairwood community of Bowie, Maryland, was over a gambling dispute, police have confirmed.
Police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Reedy told the Gazette that a search of the house where Smith resided and was found shot turned up "a large quantity of cocaine and evidence of a gambling operation,” including ledgers.
As of Thursday October 27, Smith remained in fair condition.
Bookie, Enforcer Has Bail Reduced By Court
Andover, Massachusetts residents and accused bookmaker/loan shark and his “enforcer” had their bails reduced by a judge on Tuesday.
According to the Eagle Tribune, Judge Mary-Lou Rup lowered the bails for both Joseph Giallanella, 62, of North Andover, and Wendell Bradford, 44, of Taunton on Tuesday. Both men are tied to a 31-person indictment issued last Thursday that included reputed Boston mobster Mark Rossetti.
Paul the Psychic Octopus is Dead!
Paul the Psychic Octopus will not be picking any more World Cup games. He’s dead!
Online Gambling Industry Proponent Barney Frank In Danger Of Losing
