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1.  

   Do you know everything?

   

   dorpus, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 2:07am

   
   

   Can you say for sure that this guy was not involved in other illegal activities? Does anyone believe that people who run casinos are honest businessmen, with no connections to the mob?

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2.  

   

   Anonymous Coward, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 2:54am

   
   

   "the mob" or "a mob"?
   
   when you say "mob", what do you actually mean?

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3.  

   Re: Do you know everything?

   

   John, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 3:02am

   
   

   dorpus spoke thusly:
   
   >Can you say for sure that this guy was not involved in
   > other illegal activities? Does anyone believe that people
   > who run casinos are honest businessmen, with no
   > connections to the mob?
   
   Gee... perhaps that's why Mike wrote: "Perhaps there's something more going on here". He wasn't counting out that possibility, but asking what the details were: "the real question is what, exactly, the site is accused of doing." That doesn't exclude the questions you asked.
   
   I guess it's too much to expect reading comprehension from dorpus.

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4.  

   

   Danno, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 3:07am

   
   

   In any case, it's a little weird that you can be arrested in another country for doing something illegal in that country that is legal in your country when you only did said thing *in* your country.
   
   I mean, will Signapore arrest me if I go there because I have spit chewing gum on the ground? Or if I run a website promoting and/or facilitating said act?
   
   Am I safe if Signapore blocks the site, or does that just mean that they know who to gun for?

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5.  

   Re: Do you know everything?

   

   Anonymous Coward, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 4:54am

   
   

   Run by the mob? Maybe in the US where gambling is so taboo but this is a UK based comany where gambling is much more accepted and bookies can be found on the High Street in almost every town.

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6.  

   Sports site shutdown

   

   Charlie, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 6:44am

   
   

   GOOD!
   Its about time the US government cracked down on this illegal activity.
   OK so its legal to do that in Costa Rica so what? The money being "taken" out of US bank accounts is from US citizens, and last I checked it is illegal here.
   We have enough problems with gambling right here at home. It's a nice warning to other "out of country" companies that you can not prey on our problem gamblers and stay out of jail. Even though the home base is somewhere else the "activity" is taking place here and should be sopped.
   I hope they really make an example of this guy.

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7.  

   You're a moron.

   

   Raekwon, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 6:55am

   
   

   Let me guess, you're opposed to stem cell research, and the evolution theory as well, correct? An internationally based website, located in a country where they are breaking no laws, should not be able to be prosecuted from around the world. If sports betting is illegal in the US, the liability should fall on the users "breaking" this law, that are citizens of that country. Not the company around the world that's providing the service, where it is NOT illegal. You're a moron. Tell Jesus I said, "F*** Off."

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8.  

   Re: Sports site shutdown

   

   moe, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 6:57am

   
   

   Charlie said - "The money being "taken" out of US bank accounts is from US citizens" and "It's a nice warning to other "out of country" companies that you can not prey on our problem gamblers and stay out of jail"
   
   Ever heard of personal responsibility? I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't, because it's something that's been virtually non-existent in our "we're all a victim of something" society.

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9.  

   Re: Sports site shutdown

   

   ebrke, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 7:01am

   
   

   'The money being "taken" out of US bank accounts is from US citizens . . ."'
   
   Then shouldn't said US citizens be the ones who are arrested? The activity is perfectly legal for people who are citizens of other countries.

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10.  

    Let's Look At The Statute, Shall We?

    

    Paul Frankenstein, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 7:02am

    
    

    18 USC 1084(a) (otherwise known as The Wire Act):

    Whoever being engaged in the business of betting or wagering knowingly uses a wire communication facility for the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers, or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

    The plain language of the statute states that using wire communications facilities (i.e. telephones, i.e. the Internet) in the furtherance of a interstate or foreign sports gambling business is illegal in the United States. It should be noted that the WTO has held that the Wire Act is an illegal restraint of international commerce, so that'll probably be a large part of his defense. Historically, the Wire Act was enacted as part of the Kennedy administration's war on gangsters. I think that the language about "sports gambling" is in the Act because, back in those pre-Internet days, the only practical form of gambling over the telephone was running a sports book. As a side note, there's an argument over whether or not the Wire Act covers other kinds of gambling, not just sports gambling, but that's moot in the instant case.

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11.  

    Re: You're a moron.

    

    raekwon, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 7:07am

    
    

    Next we're going to hear about one of these Muslim leaders arresting a US or UK citizen for listening to music or perhaps one of our women for not wearing a bhurka? Hey I mean, it's there law not ours, since the laws of one government apparently apply to the world. Destroy Demonocracy.

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12.  

    Hypocritical

    

    Stephen, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 7:21am

    
    

    Don't we have extradition treaties with the UK? If this is such a crime why wait for the Execs to come to America? Charge them and extradite them today. Because this has not happened they probably have a weak case anywhere except here. American's knowing America law and in America should be prosecuted. If this is upheld then religious commentators writing in America could travel to Iran or Pakistan and be arrested and jailed for their activites on the internet. What's the difference?

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13.  

    Re: Let's Look At The Statute, Shall We?

    

    Ex-OnlineGamblingProgrammer, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 8:01am

    
    

    The wire act does indeed make sports betting online illegal, but does not include online casinos nor does it include poker (this is not in question but has been proven in court). The Kyl bill which is now in the senate is looking to fix this. Though the Kyl Bill has gone to congress and failed in the senate I believe every year since 2000, this year could be different because of the huge IPO's of online casino and poker rooms as well as Abramoff being in jail. Abramoff was the one usually spearheading the killing of the Kyl Bill.

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14.  

    Re: You're a moron.

    

    RevJohn, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 8:08am

    
    

    You're a moron. Tell Jesus I said, "F*** Off."

    
    
    Such high level postings are so enjoyable to read. Let me guess - you're 15? Or is it 14?
    
    Doesn't matter - Jesus will still love you, and we will too.

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15.  

    Re: Re: Let's Look At The Statute, Shall We?

    

    Paul Frankenstein, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 8:20am

    
    

    Well, the court holding that the Wire Act doesn't apply to online casinos and online poker stems from a 5th Cicruit ruling in a civil class-action case (In re Mastercard, 313 F3d 257). That case is only controlling in the Fifth Circuit, and it's telling no courts outside of the 5th Circuit have cited the case in support of the proposition that the Wire Act only prohibits sports gambling.
    
    My reading of the language of the statute is that it also covers on-line casinos and on-line poker. I'd be wrong in the 5th Ciruit, but outside the 5th Circuit, it's still an open question. The Kyl bill is, I believe, intended to fix the ambiguity in the language of the statute.

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16.  

    Re: Sports site shutdown

    

    kerry, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 8:39am

    
    

    You are a moron, I suppose you also want big brother sitting in your living room dictating you your every move....

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17.  

    Just use a local bookie

    

    NGUVU, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 8:43am

    
    

    That saves a lot of money on fees and such.

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18.  

    

    Anonymous Coward, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 9:09am

    
    

    Jeez.
    Sports betting is illegal in the US. Period.
    80% of Betonsports revenues come from the US.
    The guy and his company were already warned not to take bets from the US! They chose to ignore the warning.
    
    As with the Nat West bankers, treaty agreements would have covered his extradition, but seeing he was arrogant enough to come here, he was arrested.
    
    What is so hard to understand? Well, other than his stupidity?

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19.  

    Re: You're a moron.

    

    Charlie, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 9:15am

    
    

    Actually, I support stem cell research and agree with the general theory of evolution. Im not even at all religous.
    But thank you for the spirited reply to my post.
    Let me ask you if a person in another country via the internet broke another American law, say the anti-terrorism laws, would you support that activity as strongly?
    Even though it is legal in that country. Seems like maybe you should see about your gambling problem friend and not be so unaccepting of others viewpoints.

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20.  

    Re: Re: You're a moron.

    

    Mikester, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 9:31am

    
    

    Let me ask you if a person in another country via the internet broke another American law, say the anti-terrorism laws, would you support that activity as strongly?
    
    You're comparing gambling with terrorism? And I didn't think your credibility could drop any lower. LOL.

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21.  

    

    Pete Rose, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 10:19am

    
    

    Personally,
    I think the U.S. should open up the internet for sports gambling and use that as a way to gnerate tax revenue. Noth that I'd ever do such a thing.

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22.  

    

    Anonymous Coward, Jul 19th, 2006 @ 10:23am

    
    

    You don't see the founder of Skype flying into the US do you?
    
    We have arrested drug lords in Columbia, invaded countries to arrest people (with help from Van Halen) and done much more to protect the laws and the people of the US.
    
    Mexico is considering making legal the sale of coke and heroin. If that happens, you would be fine for people to set up a web site to export those legal products to US Citizens?
    
    I agree, the people buying the product should be held responsible, but its a lot easier to shut off supply than to shut off demand. Squeezing both ends is probably the best route to take.

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23.  

    Re: Hypocritical

    

    claire rand, Jul 20th, 2006 @ 5:27am

    
    

    I don't actually think with the current agreement the question of legality in the *uk* even comes up, witness the three execs recently sent over your way. dispite no actual evidence ever being presented.
    
    i'd like to wring the neck of the muppet that agreed to that one being implemented *before* BOTH sides ratified the treaty.
    
    cuz for some reason I can't see a US citizen being sent to another country for violations of that countries laws over the net while the citizen in question was on US soil. no cance at all (and rightly so).
    
    the arguments about 'terrorism' etc always crop up, and typically seem to be used to argue that "if you don't sgree with me you must support terrorists" which is BS and used to obscure the issue.
    
    the way of the world i guess.

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24.  

    Re: You're a moron.

    

    aquakid, Jul 22nd, 2006 @ 2:23am

    
    

    Right on!!!The Christian Taliban is intruding on every aspect of our lives.If they don't want to gamble, drink or do drugs ...more power to them...just leave me the f**k alone. Worry about your own business. When is your intrusion on our lives going to stop?Why don't you outlaw Big Macs? People are dying from obesity, diabeties and heart disease evertday because they don't have the discipline to quit shving food in their mouths. Bottom Line:Stop using Jesus as an excuse for being a narrow-minded bigoted asshole!

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25.  

    Re: Just use a local bookie

    

    aquakid, Jul 22nd, 2006 @ 2:33am

    
    

    Only problem: I can't call my bookie at 3:00am or 2 minutes before kickoff. My bookie doesn't offer re-up bonuses and he doesn't have parlays and teasers, not to mention prop bets, first half bets ,reverse teasers,etc. Also he doesn't take Visa or echecks or bankwires.

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26.  

    betonsports.com $$$

    

    andy orso, Jul 24th, 2006 @ 10:56am

    
    

    thank god i got almost all of my money out before they shut down

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27.  

    CLASS ACTION SUIT

    

    KILLER BEE, Jul 26th, 2006 @ 8:40am

    
    

    Will ther be any class action suits against BOS?

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28.  

    Unbelievable

    

    Nona Yobusiness, Jul 29th, 2006 @ 1:23pm

    
    

    If you cannot control yourself from spending all your money on gambling you're not going to be saved by the US government banning online gambling. The fact that the government is arresting someone for breaking laws that do not exist in their country is further proof that the US government is trying to control our actions and restrict world commerce. The WTA has agreed that this is so. Just another example of “do what I say not what I do”, like not letting the UN inspect Guantanamo Bay, and having secret prison camps where "We do not torture". The world is looking at us as the hypocrites we are becoming. This is sure to destroy our reputation as a free society and further our lack of credibility on the world stage. Everyone wants to talk about "Freedom". But what is has become is a chant to further political ambitions, religious (aka special interests) and degrade the integrity of those who oppose restrictions of their freedom. With freedom comes responsibility. What we need to decide is weather we want to be free to do what we want or taken care of by the government (communism? socialism?). We CANNOT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!

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29.  

    Other sites

    

    Reverse Teaser, Aug 14th, 2006 @ 4:55pm

    
    

    What does this latest shutdown mean for all the other sites? Sportsbook? Bodog? etc... anyone know?

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30.  

    B.O.S.

    

    homer simpson, Aug 15th, 2006 @ 2:28pm

    
    

    I have (had) an account w/BOS but failed to get my $$ before they shut down. What are the odds I'll be able to recover some or all in my account at a future date?

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31.  

    Re: betonsports.com $$$

    

    dan, Oct 6th, 2006 @ 8:43am

    
    

    thats ok andy just call your local bookie in new york

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32.  

    my money

    

    gamblin fool, Feb 14th, 2007 @ 5:04pm

    
    

    why is it illegal huh? sports betting is a business transaction between 2 groups ( the sportsbook & the gambler). Go into any real sports bar and you'll be able to find a bookie pretty easy. whats next, is the gov't gonna send undercover agents to bust them too? I think our "Do Nothing Congress" needs to focus on way more important issues other than stopping harmless online gambling.

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33.  

    Re: Re: You're a moron.

    

    Johnson_Johnson, Aug 29th, 2007 @ 7:21am

    
    

    My sentiments exactly. Raekwon should get out the house sometime and get off the internet. I especially like the Destroy Demonocrocy...read a little more into the laws of the US and international law pertaining to transmissions over the WWW and then you can run your mouth. Until then, tell your mom hello and to get off your a$$ about cleaning your room.

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34.  

    Re: Re: Re: You're a moron.

    

    Anonymous Coward, Aug 29th, 2007 @ 7:29am

    
    

    Law doesn't give a $hit about the moral ineptitudes of a crime...he's defining the law. Whether it's an act of terrorism or an illegal gambler on the internet, it's all the same to the Law: illegal. I support gambling because I love to gamble, but to say that our government can't support their own laws that affect its people (the illegal online gamblers in the US) is just amateur. Why don't you read into the effects of lobbying and YOU tell ME why the government cracks down on it. A) they get no tax revenue, and B) you have a $5 Billion industry and they're going to sit on their a$$???

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