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OAKLAND PARK, Fla (Gambling911.com - A pickleball player from the Boca Raton, Florida area is facing felony charges after police say he ran a sports betting ring in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Devon Shalmi was arrested on Tuesday following a year-long undercover investigation by local law enforcement agencies. He faces charges of bookmaking, money laundering and operating a gambling house.
Investigators allege Shalmi operated an illegal gambling website and laundered over $3 million in payments.
Detectives were able to open up credit lines ranging from $1500 to $5000 to place bets at Shalmi's website Allgames365.com, according to the arrest warrant.
Investigators said Shalmi transferred the gambling payouts through online platforms including Zelle, Venmo and Cashapp. Detectives also traced transactions to ILSJSF Solutions, a Boca Raton company that received over $3 million in payments during the investigation. They would also meet with Shalmi in person to collect funds at the Dixon Pickleball Club on Powerline Road in Deerfield Beach.
Pickleball.com's official results database shows Shalmi playing with some of the more accomplished Pickleball players in ranked competitions.
Shalmi's bond was set at $3 million, according to court records. His first court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 10.
"We are reviewing the allegations and evidence and look forward to presenting Mr. Shalmi's defenses in court," said Boca Raton attorney Guy Fronstin, who is representing Shalmi.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit along wit the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Task Force were involved in conducting the investigation.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
