Platinum Sports boss sentenced in Toronto

A major online illegal online sports betting bust that took place across Canada 5 years ago and dismantled the Platinum Sportsbook enterprise (see previous reports) was back in the news Wednesday when a Toronto court sentenced former manager of the business, David Hair (50) to two years imprisonment and a Cdn$3 million fine

Hair has been free on Cdn$400,000 bail since February 2013, when Canadian police busted him and 30 others at a glitzy Super Bowl party in a local banquet hall, reportedly a customer-appreciation bash for 2,000-plus loyal gamblers that cost Cdn$100,000.

Police also searched 10 locations and seized $1.6 million in cash and vehicles. A financial audit, based on intermittent betting records, suggested Platinum grossed more than Cdn$103 million between 2009 and 2013, through Costa Rica-based websites. Police found Cdn$680,000 in bundled cash — believed to be Platinum revenues — when a search warrant was executed at his home.

Hair received relatively lenient treatment from the Court due to his remorse over the illegal activity, cooperation with investigators and guilty plea. He has already paid Cdn$2 million and has three years to pay the remaining Cdn$1 million of the fine. If he fails to do so he will face additional prison time.

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