[opendtv] Re: U.S. Steps Up Push Against Online Casinos by Seizing Cash
- From: "John Willkie" <johnwillkie@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2004 08:12:02 -0700
What's suprising to me is how long it took the feds to do this. For years,
when I saw offshore online gambling advertised on U.S. media, I wondered why
they were promoting a service that was and is illegal in the U.S.
Also: note that the Discovery spots in question cost $10,000 or so each, for
a high-rated (for Discovery) show. Something less than the highest rate for
30 second spots on local San Diego newscasts.
John Willkie
P.S. it's still technology and economics.
-----Original Message-----
From: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Monty Solomon
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 9:37 PM
To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [opendtv] U.S. Steps Up Push Against Online Casinos by Seizing
Cash
U.S. Steps Up Push Against Online Casinos by Seizing Cash
By MATT RICHTEL
May 31, 2004
Federal law enforcement officials routinely seize money they suspect
is connected to activities like money laundering, terrorism or drug
smuggling. But in early April, United States marshals seized $3.2
million from Discovery Communications, the television and media
company, in an aggressive effort to crack down on a new target,
Internet gambling.
The money initially belonged to Tropical Paradise, a Costa Rica-based
Internet casino operation, which in October paid Discovery for
television spots to advertise an online poker room,
ParadisePoker.com. According to court documents, the government
seized the money and told Discovery, which is based in Silver Spring,
Md., that it could be party to an illegal activity by broadcasting
such advertisements.
Federal prosecutors contend that online gambling sites are illegal,
but the offshore casinos fall outside their jurisdiction. So for
nearly a year, the government has been trying to curb the sites'
activities by investigating and pressuring American companies that
provide services to offshore gambling sites on the theory that they
are "aiding and abetting" the operations.
Until now, the effort has largely involved seeking information from
American companies, including major broadcasters, Web portals and
industry consultants. The seizure of money significantly escalates
the government's attack.
...
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/31/technology/31gambling.html
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