Operator Of World's Smallest Gambling Ring Faces Jailtime

from the zero-tolerance dept

Mon, Feb 12th 2007 2:10pm — Joseph Weisenthal

For the past several months, we've been following the ever-expanding war on gambling that's currently going on in the US. Most of the activity has involved the arrests of foreign gambling execs that happen to be passing through the US. More and more, others are coming under scrutiny. Last month it came out that the DOJ had subpoenaed investment banks that were involved with the IPOs -- in Europe -- of online gambling firms. Things are no better on the statewide level. Last year, in Washington, the operator of a website that merely discussed and linked to online gambling sites was warned that he could face criminal charges unless the site was taken down. Now, in California, a 73-year old great-grandmother who tends bar at an Elks lodge could see up to a year in prison for organizing a $50 football pool. If it weren't for the threat of prison, this story would be a laughable joke. The cops, acting on an anonymous tip, found an envelope containing ten $5 dollar bills behind the bar, which is apparently enough to qualify as a gambling operation. In the past, law enforcement typically ignored low-stakes betting between friends, but now it appears that even this may be at risk.

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43 Comments

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Retartded, 12 Feb 2007 @ 2:36pm

Just like the rest of this fucking process. Every day shit gets worse and worse.
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Rob, 12 Feb 2007 @ 2:38pm

So how exactly are we free?
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Joshua, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:04pm

I bet..
I bet you $5 this doesn't go anywhere.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:05pm

Re: I bet..
I'll take the over on that
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God, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:17pm

SIN
Gambling is a SIN and she should be made to be an example. No mercy!
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Lazerus King, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:18pm

I bet
I'm in.
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STFU, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:26pm

Hey "SIN"...
Shut the FUCK up with that GOD bullshit. No one wants to hear that shit around here.

FUCK that christian bullshit.

It's OUR property and we should have NO opposition in doing with it as we damn well please. It is OURS to do with as we see fit.

Your "God" can go FUCK himself on that note. Right along with all of the RIGHT-WING PIECES OF SHIT that use "God" as an excuse for all of the shit that they pull.

I'm no gambler myself by any means... But I sure as hell don't believe that it's right for anyone to tell someone what they can or can not do with their own property.

I can't believe that my time in the US Army was used to protect THIS. I can't believe that my time as a soldier was used to protect these supposed (APPARENTLY MYTHICAL) things that we call, "Rights".

Time WASTED.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:26pm

The sad thing is they can probably nail you for betting in this thread...
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DV82XL, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:38pm

You Yanks...
...are scaring the rest of us. The joke has gotten stale, go back to being the way you were now. Everyone knows that you're not REALLY like this...right?
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Feb 2007 @ 3:41pm

I was gonna say
"holy shit", but I guess that might have inflamed the masses. God talk and all that.

An the other hand, WTF is going on with this country? I hardly recognize it sometimes. "Land of the free"? The real problem here isn't that gambling is a SIN but rather than it's a sin to take a bite out of the revenue the government makes...with legalized gambling. Go lotto.
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smoke, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:00pm

wow... lets spend 5k prosecuting a old woman for 50 dollars and im sure our economic standing will improve....
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Overcast, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:17pm

Shut the FUCK up with that GOD bullshit. No one wants to hear that shit around here.

FUCK that christian bullshit.

It's OUR property and we should have NO opposition in doing with it as we damn well please. It is OURS to do with as we see fit.

Your "God" can go FUCK himself on that note. Right along with all of the RIGHT-WING PIECES OF SHIT that use "God" as an excuse for all of the shit that they pull.

I'm no gambler myself by any means... But I sure as hell don't believe that it's right for anyone to tell someone what they can or can not do with their own property.

I can't believe that my time in the US Army was used to protect THIS. I can't believe that my time as a soldier was used to protect these supposed (APPARENTLY MYTHICAL) things that we call, "Rights".

Time WASTED.

Forget to take your Prozac?
I agree with your premise, but damn.... lol

No reason to go slamming people who believe in God AND people's rights.

Afterall - God gave us 100% FREE WILL

No government even comes close to that.... not even close.
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Ivory Bill, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:17pm

Re: I was gonna say
And an even bigger sin to take a bite out of the income of the casino interests who have bought and paid for the current bunch of public serpents who run the "guvmint",
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Stute, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:18pm

Watch out Grandma!
Subject says it all.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:19pm

what will it take to end this bullshit once and for all?
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DRM Suxx, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:22pm

WTF is wrong with this country?
I can't believe all the crap that is happening with this country. Old ladies and football pools? $50 winnings? This is bullshit. How does the legal system get away with this and keep a straight face about it? Can you imagine being the prosecutor on this case?
It's time to go back a re-read the Declaration and Constitution.

"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
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A. Bertelli, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:22pm

Re: Hey "SIN"...
Hey, ease up, fucko. I agree that it's our property and we should be able to do whatever we want with it. I also respect your time in the military, even though, I agree that the country is going to shit. That aside, you're a worthless babbo.

You don't have to drag God through the mud, you miserable fucking cunt, whether you beleive in God or not. I don't know what religious problems you've had in the fuckin past but I am sick of this extreme Athiest shit. I'm not a very religious man, I'm not. But I do beleive in God and I am a God fearing man. You need to show some respect, something I thought the Army would teach you. Appearently not. So I suggest you learn some or I'll have to arrange for some to be forced into you. Capisce, paisan?
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Overcast, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:24pm

Yeah, but the lottery's ok!!!!!

Hypocritical politicians...

It's just they are so very greedy they need a cut from EVERYTHING.

Politics is supposed to be the 2nd oldest profession - it's amazing how much it has in common with the world's oldest profession..
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Overcast, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:27pm

And ya - thanks A. Bertelli - good post. I believe in God AND believe it should be the people's right to do what they want with their money..

Gamble
Smoke Pot
Prostitution
Donate to their Church..

Ya, I'm serious - as long as it's not infringing on someone else's rights - like say Murder or Rape would..

But really - I think many of these 'sins' relgion has spun upon the world is a function of RELIGION, not God - and yes, there is most certainly a differance.
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God, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:35pm

Re: Re: Hey "SIN"...
This is god calling. Shut the fuck up Bertelli!
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Solo, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:44pm

Online gambling or even small stakes 'illegal' gambling does only one thing reprehensible: it takes a cut out of the licenced gambling, who, let's remind everyone, pay taxes.

So you have it: the 'legal' ones don't see kindly the unfair competition, the politics don't see kindly the loss of revenue.

Everybody wins.

Myself? Little interest here. Gambling is like doing drugs: better avoid it.
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benji, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:53pm

Re: I bet..
$10 says that these people are retarded...
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Brad, 12 Feb 2007 @ 4:59pm

Irony?
Anyone else see the irony of religiousy-types posting online under the name "God" ?

I mean, blasphemy is one thing, but outright claiming to be God? That's a hellworthy sin if I ever heard of one...
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god, 12 Feb 2007 @ 5:18pm

love
have I told everyone that I love you ?

I love you ... I really do ...

love ...
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Feb 2007 @ 5:21pm

The Boss Jr. bets on the Super Bowl
Since Illinois loves to copy the actions of California, is Lisa Madigan, AJ, going to arrest Mayor Daley for his bets with the Indianapolis Mayor?
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DixieDogAce, 12 Feb 2007 @ 5:53pm

Hey "SIN"... by STFU
I am a two time veteran, Army and Air Force, both with the Untied States, worse, I am a Christian, so I take multiple offense at your flame.
WE ALL put our lives on the line to allow other morons to say what they want, trying to use the veteran card, worse the Christian card, is anthemic to what we actually fought for... or did you even fight?
We don't always agree with other peoples opinion, but I WILL ALWAYS fight for the right (sounds like an old Beastie Boys song) for poeple to express their opinions... even yours... but, plrease don't pull the veteran card, nor the Christian card... it is wrong on so many levels.
That said, thank you for your unguided opinion, agreed or not, I still believe in your right to make it.
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timothy, 12 Feb 2007 @ 6:09pm

Re: ROB'S COMMENT
We are free because you and I are allowed to express our beliefs. You dont like the law-vote to change it or help put someone in office who will. That's freedom.
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DixieDogAce, 12 Feb 2007 @ 6:27pm

Re: ROB'S COMMENT by timothy
AMEN Brother!
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NewspeakIsUngood, 12 Feb 2007 @ 6:36pm

Re: Hey "SIN"...
... I'll take "Missed Sarcasm" for 400 Alex.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Feb 2007 @ 7:00pm

Re: Re: ROB'S COMMENT
We are free because you and I are allowed to express our beliefs. You dont like the law-vote to change it or help put someone in office who will. That's freedom.
No, that's a republic. As in two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.

Freedom is a well armed sheep.
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LoL, 12 Feb 2007 @ 7:24pm

LoL
I find it amusing that people can actually believe in some sort of god...

Religion is the weak man's crutch.
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mx_, 12 Feb 2007 @ 7:42pm

...
None of you seem to have sense of humor, except the guy who posted the first "sin" post. It's funny, even those who are trying to agree with the original post can't avoid being either bullies or victims.
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Dan, 12 Feb 2007 @ 7:50pm

When I was in Russia...
...I commented to a friend about the fact that guys were walking from the pub and getting onto the bus with an open bottle of beer.

She looked at me with a confused look on her face then said "Why shouldn't they? It's a free country!"

Sounds more and more like even the former home of the Soviet Union under a sleazeball like Putin is home to more freedoms than the USA.

BTW - I heard something *extremely* frightening on NPR last week. The number of US Government employees who are employed as contractors now exceeds the number that are actual civil servants working directly for the US government.

I wonder how much of these sleazeball power plays like this story are simply contractors out there trying to justify their position and/or contract?

You know it's going to get worse when a government that's already on an out-of-control death spiral is now using contractors who have even less responsibility and transparency requirements than the amoral, unethical power hungry freaks that hired them.
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mx_, 12 Feb 2007 @ 8:06pm

Re: When I was in Russia...
I am from Russia. Don't worry. People in Russia also ride buses without paying, threaten and murder each other without being prosecuted, graduate colleges without learning material, and break traffic rules with no consequences except a couple of hundred rubles for the bribe. Once again, don't worry. Russia is free... Of law enforcement. : )
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KelpBoot, 12 Feb 2007 @ 8:20pm

Arrest them all
I wonder how much of these sleazeball power plays like this story are simply contractors out there trying to justify their position and/or contract?

Its no accident. Get into a position of beauracratic power, spend all your time carving out sections of public services that can be privatized for "efficiency gains", chair the board that decides how much we're going to pay these private companies, make sure the actual total is about 50% more expensive while politicking that it'll be twice as cheap, award the contract to your brother in law, resign from office and kick back, care of the overpriced services and products your brother in laws company provides (the one that naturally he asked you to be CEO of)....then when your not playing golf or banging your fresh faced PA, do what you can to get your nephew elected into office so he can continue your good work.

Oh and of course arrest as many little old ladies as you can while your at it. Lest people have nothing else to occupy their minds with and start thinking about what you're really up too..... because God knows you cant rely on the MSM to tell them what to think anymore..... filthy little free thinkers they are.
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saikkonen7, 12 Feb 2007 @ 10:29pm

Toast
We are all so fucked in this county it is beyond belief.

Can you say Patriot Act ?

Who, in their immortal wisdom is holding the keys ?

We live in a republic folks, ergo, state sponsored capitalism.

I am ashamed at what this country has become and the downward spiral we are going. Out of toilet paper ? Here, use the US constitution.

*wanders back into bunker, shuts door*
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Search Engines WEB, 13 Feb 2007 @ 5:25am

More Related Info
http://jobs.aol.com/article/_a/betting-at-the-office/20050808184809990058

Here is a nationwide study on Office Gambling
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Dosquatch, 13 Feb 2007 @ 5:27am

Re: SIN
Y'know, I don't recall that particular entry in the 10 Commandments. Of course, as a supreme and infallible deity, you're at liberty to update those anytime you wish, I suppose, but that would tend to call into question the "infallible" part of your title.

Oh, and I'm doubting the veracity of your name here. Maybe if you could give me an immolated talking shrub or something?

Thanks!
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Feb 2007 @ 5:53am

Obviously some of you were molested by priests... and some of you must have liked it.

This country's gonig to shit, I'm moving to Canada
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Dovi, 13 Feb 2007 @ 7:05am

meh
Been there, done that.

We've been through Great Awakenings, temperance movements, decades of rampant hedonism, the construction of continent-spanning monopolies and their destruction.

This, too, will pass.
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The Original Just Me, 13 Feb 2007 @ 8:28am

To Mr/Ms/MRs DV82XL
This is from someone who lives in a country where the Government drives around in little white vans with dish receivers on top to catch people illegally watching a CRT???????

Pot meet Kettle
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eric, 13 Feb 2007 @ 9:47am

California
They had budget problems. Putting folks in jail helps them $$$. It's an illegal shakedown by cops.
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|333173|3|_||3, 13 Feb 2007 @ 7:24pm

Sin?
do you want to find a biblical condemanation of gambling?
or even a Papal comment if you are Catholic?
I doubt you will find one.

Also related to sin, read some of proverbs, and the Fundies will shit themselves over sexual morality.
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