US sports betting affiliates beware
News on 12 Apr 2013
News on 12 Apr 2013
US sports betting affiliates beware – the indications are that enforcement authorities are including marketing affiliates in their surveillance of illegal online sports betting activity.
The publication CBS 42.com reported Thursday that the major Legendz sports betting bust which saw thirty-four individuals and 23 entities charged earlier this week included Gadsden, Albany-based affiliate marketer Gregory Wilson “Patchman” Roberts (54), whom Department of Justice spokesmen confirmed has been indicted.
Roberts is listed at number 22 on the list of federal indictments, which can be viewed here:
http://www.justice.gov/usao/okw/documents/List%20of%20Defendants.pdf
The Department of Justice has emphasised that the indictment is only an accusation. The defendants are to be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The DoJ statement claims that the defendants “are alleged to have been employees, members and associates of the on-going Legendz Sports enterprise.”
US officials in Oklahoma City, where the massive enforcement action originated, claim that Roberts listed Legendz Sports as a “Recommended Sportsbook” on one of his websites. Local media reports note that the indictment against the affiliate marketer also alleges that he visited Panama City to engage with the Legendz operator.
Further details emerging from the federal enforcement push indicate that wire-tapping was used over the protracted investigation, eavesdropping on Skype conversations between parties alleged to have been involved in the sports betting organisation, and revealing sensitive and perhaps incriminating information.
The investigation and arrests have covered several US states.
As the week drew to a close, one of the men arrested, Spiros “The Greek” Athanas (53), was arraigned in a New Hampshire court after being accused of being a partner in Legends Sports.
Authorities claim that Athanas helped another Legendz partner to manipulate odds when they stood to take losses. The private jet that federal officials have applied to seize apparently belongs to Athanas.
