Quebec 1/14/2010 12:57:19 AM
Verdict for BetOnSports trial declared
In 2006 July, the US District Court for Eastern District of Missouri directed an indictment of the company and its CEO David Carruthers was arrested in Dallas
BetOnSports the British online gambling company, though listed in London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market, had maximum clients from US. In 2006 July, the US District Court for Eastern District of Missouri directed an indictment of the company and its CEO David Carruthers was arrested in Dallas. He was returning after attending the AGM of the company in London. The company was booked under Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
In 2009 April Carruthers plead guilty for online sports betting which is no permitted as per US laws. The jury suggested a 33-month terms in prison and judge Carol E. Jackson on January 8th announced the final verdict. He imposed a fine of $28.2 million against the company.
In 2007 March Gary Kaplan, the founder of BetOnSports was arrested in Dominican Republic. He was later extradited to America. And, in 2009 he pleaded guilty to three charges. One of them was on racketeering. Carruthers too expressed his regrets. He also said that his website’s activities were not conforming to US laws. He said it was the worst error of his life by indulging in unlawful activities in BetOnSports.
It is learnt that BetOnSports collected over $1 billion during 2004. Though the company operated in mostly Caribbean locations like Aruba, Antigua, and Costa Rica most of its clients came from United States.
Carruthers was under house arrest since 2006 in his Saint-Louis, Missouri. But then he was found enjoying hot moments in the Marathon of Saint-Louis. BetOnSports agreed to stop its US operations and also terminated Carruthers. This controversial trial of BetOnSports has opened up the debate again for and against the adoption of the UIGEA. Though as per US law online gambling like poker casino, or sports betting and online activities involving them is prohibited many supporters are there who wish the Government would legalize such activities.
