Gambling

Online Bookie Will Serve 2 Years Prison Time for Role in ‘Project Amethyst’

The head of an online sports betting ring has been sentenced to 2 years prison time in Ottawa.

Benedetto Manasseri, 50, took in $842,000 between February and July 2012, court documents claim.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Oct/15/2014

Man Sentenced to Death for Double Murder had Gambling Addiction

An Indian man who committed a 2012 double murder in the US will be sentenced to death by the Montgomery County Court in Pennsylvania.

The 28-year-old IT professional, Raghunandan Yandamuri, was convicted of killing his Satyavathi Venna, 61, and her 10-month-old granddaughter, Saanvi Venna, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.  Prosecutors claim the man plotted to kidnap the child for ransom to help pay for his gambling addiction. 

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Oct/15/2014

How Bookies Settle Up With Customers: Why Tuesday

In the world of bookmaking, one often hears the term “settling up with customers”.  What exactly does this mean for the bookie?

“Settle-up Day”, typically the Tuesday after Monday Night Football during the NFL season, is when all customers who are at or above their settle-up figure must be seen to zero their account. This is when you pay and collect, and it is usually the only time you see your customers face-to-face.

Submitted by Aaron Goldstein on, Oct/14/2014

Guilderland Murders: First Motivation Passion, Second Gambling

Authorities continue to investigate last week’s quadruple murder of a family in their Guilderland, New York residence, alluding to the idea Monday that illegal gambling could have been a motive.

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Oct/14/2014

NJ Senate Approves Tax Incentive to Aid in Atlantic City Stability

(Associated Press) - The latest update of New Jersey’s corporate tax incentive programs includes a bid to get more help to Atlantic City, which has been hit hard by the recent closure of several boardwalk casinos.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/14/2014

The Gambler Starring Mark Wahlberg to Premiere at AFI Fest

The much-anticipated Mark Wahlberg film “The Gambler” is set to premier during the American Film Institute (AFI) Monday, November 10, 2014. 

Already there is Oscar talk surrounding Wahlberg’s performance in which he dropped 60 pounds for the film project.

Wahlberg reprises the role of literature professor, Jim Bennett, whose gambling problems run him afoul of gangsters.

Submitted by Jordan Bach on, Oct/13/2014

Atlantic City Casinos for Sale at Deep Discounted Prices

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Associated Press) -- The meltdown of Atlantic City's casino market has created some stellar bargains for would-be purchasers of some of the city's biggest landmark properties. Here are a few of the recent discount sales:

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/13/2014

Gambling May be at Center of Guilderland New York Quadruple Murder

Wednesday’s quadruple murder in Guilderland, New York may be tied to illegal gambling, authorities said this weekend.

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Oct/13/2014

Icahn Claims State Senator is ‘Selling Out Atlantic City’

ATLANTIC CITY - Carl Icahn accused New Jersey's Senate president of "selling out" Atlantic City by considering casinos near New York City, while the legislative leader said the state would not give the billionaire investor the tax breaks he is seeking.

Icahn responded Friday to stinging criticism by Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) and others about Icahn's role in a proposed bailout of the struggling Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort. Icahn said he would give the casino $100 million, but only in return for union givebacks and tax credits.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/12/2014

7,162 Chinese Officials Punished for Gambling Offenses

7162 Chinese government officials from more than 30 cities have been punished for offenses stemming from illegal gambling activities since the middle of 2013. East China’s Zhejiang and Guangdong in the south have reported the most cases, according to the Shanghai Daily.

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Oct/12/2014

Court Permits UK to Incorporate Gambling Controls , Licensing, Taxation

LONDON, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Britain's plans to bring licensing and taxation of online gambling companies under UK control got the green light on Friday when a court dismissed a legal challenge to the move.

Bookmakers with big British businesses including William Hill and Ladbrokes have based their online operations offshore in places like Gibraltar in order to take advantage of lower local taxes.

Submitted by Reuters on, Oct/10/2014

NBC Sports Builds Stronghold in Fantasy Sports Market With RotoGrinders Deal

NBC Sports is making serious inroads into the world of fantasy sports, this week announcing a partnership with Rotogrinders, the leader in fantasy content and website tools.

Submitted by Aaron Goldstein on, Oct/09/2014

Mass Regulators See No Wrongdoing in Wynn Land Deal With Alleged Mobsters

BOSTON (Associated Press) — State gambling regulators say they see no wrongdoing by Wynn Resorts following last week’s arrests of three owners of land the company wants to develop into a casino.

The casino company ‘‘clearly’’ had no role in the wrongdoing, acting Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman James McHugh said Thursday following a briefing by the commission’s investigative staff and state police.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/09/2014

New Jersey Racetracks Form Regulatory Group to Embrace Sports Betting

OCEANPORT, New Jersey — (Associated Press) - A New Jersey racetrack has taken another step toward offering sports betting if it becomes legal in New Jersey.

Monmouth Park Racetrack announced Thursday it has formed a group to regulate sports betting at the track.

The track says the purpose of the Independent Sports Wagering Association is to ensure a secure and reliable wagering environment and to safeguard the integrity of the games being bet on.

Official say the group is modeled after organizations in the financial sector and real estate industry.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/09/2014

The Internet Gambling 21 Crew – Where Are They Now? Steve Budin Thriving in 2014

MIAMI -- A lot has changed in the Internet gambling industry since the last century.

Gambling online is now legal in a handful of states, with more states looking to join in every day.

Industry observers expect online gambling to be legal eventually in most if not all U.S. states.

Submitted by Thomas Somach on, Oct/09/2014

Game Makers Look to Attract Kids With Cool Gambling Options Like Futuristic Slots

LAS VEGAS — (Associated Press) - With the gambling industry anxious to attract younger players, some slot machine makers are looking to challenge the generation raised on video games.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/08/2014

Mark Wahlberg Loses 60 Pounds for ‘The Gambler’ Film

Hollywood star and producer Mark Wahlberg is set to appear in the upcoming remake of “The Gambler”.  It was revealed this week that the normally buff actor lost an astonishing 60 pounds for the part.

Wahlberg reprises the role of literature professor, Jim Bennett, whose gambling problems run him afoul of gangsters.

Submitted by Jordan Bach on, Oct/08/2014

Floyd Mayweather Wins $1.4 Million on Colts

Boxer and big time gambler Floyd Mayweather, Jr. revealed this week that he won $1.4 million on the Indianapolis Colts beating the Jacksonville Jaguars during Week 2 of the NFL regular season.

He posted on Twitter Monday night:

“Before I went on a 2-week vacation, I bet $720,000.00 and I walked away with $1,405,714.28. When you’re betting on Andrew, it’s never Luck.”

Submitted by Tyrone Black on, Oct/07/2014

Kay Wants Resolution in Bodog Case But Intends to Extradite If Necessary

On Tuesday, Van Smith of the Baltimore City Paper revealed a letter sent by assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Kay to the judge presiding over the case against four Bodog principals including founder Calvin Ayre, each of whom were indicted for illegal gambling and money laundering.  

Submitted by Alejandro Botticelli on, Oct/07/2014

Ifrah: Injunction on New Jersey Sports Betting Should be Lifted

Speaking with CalvinAyre.com at last week’s G2E Gaming Summit in Las Vegas, high profile industry attorney Jeff Ifrah said that Judge Michael Shipp should lift the injunction on sports betting.  Will he?  That remains the million dollar question.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Oct/07/2014

Wynn Land Owner and Convicted Felon Pleads Not Guilty to Wire Fraud

BOSTON — (Associated Press) - An owner of the land that Wynn Resorts is planning to develop into a $1.6 billion casino has pleaded not guilty to federal wire fraud charges in connection with the land deal.

Charles Lightbody, of Revere, is set to be released Tuesday on an unsecured $50,000 bond that comes due if he violates the terms of his release. The terms include remaining in Massachusetts, adhering to a 7 p.m. curfew, not drinking alcohol excessively and wearing a monitoring bracelet.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/07/2014

Legalized Online Sports Betting in Canada ‘Not Even on Government’s Radar’

Hartley Henderson of OSGA.com confirmed Monday that legalized sports betting in Canada will not become an issue for offshore sportsbooks following concerns over Ladbrokes abrupt departure and public statements made by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Oct/06/2014

Michael Phelps Suspended From USA Swim Team After DUI, 8-Hour Gambling Spree

US gold-medalist swimmer Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps was suspended by the national team for 6 months following last week’s arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

The 18-time Olympic champion also lost six months of funding from the sport’s national governing body as a result of his second DUI.  A previous arrest was made in 2004.

Submitted by Nagesh Rath on, Oct/06/2014

Bovada Sportsbook Bonus vs. BetPhoenix.ag

The Bovada Sportsbook bonus is a 50% bonus up to $250.  Compare that with BetPhoenix.ag, which offers a special 175% bonus up to $1500.  Which to choose?

Bovada, while a reputable online gambling site, appeals more to a recreational (or “square”) player base compared to BetPhoenix.ag, which does welcome high rollers as well.

Submitted by Payton on, Oct/06/2014

‘Playing for the Mob’ Review: ‘A First Class Effort by ESPN’ Says Herald

The Boston Herald seemingly has given “Playing for the Mob” two thumbs up

The ESPN docu-drama is narrated by Ray Liotta, chronicling the Boston College point-shaving scandal of the late 1970s, carried out by mobster Henry Hill, Liotta's "Goodfellas" character, and his various associates.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Oct/06/2014

Sports Betting Ruling in New Jersey Postponed Until October 31

NEWARK — (Associated Press) - Casinos and racetracks in New Jersey will have to wait a little longer to see how a judge will rule on the state’s efforts to allow legal sports gambling.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp was to have published an opinion on Monday. But the judge granted an extension so the two sides could file more briefs.

Shipp will hear oral arguments in Trenton on October 31. He’ll then rule on whether his 2013 order permits New Jersey to allow sports betting as long as it isn’t state-regulated.

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/06/2014

Survey Finds Casino Slots Players Obese, Poker Players the Skinniest

Jackpot.co.uk has released a riveting – and some would say shocking – report detailing the various physical fitness attributes and contributory lifestyles of various casino players based on the game of choice.

Submitted by Jagajeet Chiba on, Oct/06/2014

‘Son of Sam’ Laws Could be Applied to ‘Real Housewives’ Sentencing

“Real Housewives of New Jersey” stars Joe and Teresa Giudice could be forced to give up any profits derived from their appearances on the popular reality series as well as any future book deals.

Both are heading to prison for fraudulently obtaining millions in loans and for hiding income and assets in their 2009 bankruptcy filing.

Submitted by Gilbert Horowitz on, Oct/05/2014

Vaccaro: ‘House has Won Every Week in NFL So Far’

LAS VEGAS –  (Associated Press) - Jimmy Vaccaro thought he would offer bettors a little fun — and a long-shot chance at some real cash — when he put up a proposition this week at 25-1 odds on the Jacksonville Jaguars going winless this season.

BetOnline

Submitted by Associated Press on, Oct/03/2014

Internet Sportsbook Bonus Offers: 50 Percent Instant Now Offered by Bet Online

For a limited time only, Bet Online is offering an instant 50 percent signup Internet sportsbook bonus.  The universal online sportsbook bonus code for Gambling911.com partner sites is G911Write it down.

Submitted by Payton on, Oct/03/2014

Breaking News

New York City Casinos Might Not Come Until 2026

State Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, head of the state’s racing and gaming commission believes politics is getting in the way of issuing three downstate casino licenses, including the New York City area