3943 stories by Philip Conneller
China Condemns Overseas Gambling as Breach of National Laws
The Chinese government has warned its citizens that gambling in casinos outside of China is a violation of Chinese law. The Chinese embassy in Singapore on Monday "solemnly reminded" Chinese nationals in the city-state that they should steer clear of gambling while...
Watauga Poker Club Owner to Plead Guilty to ‘Organized Crime’ in Texas
The owner of the Watauga Social Lounge Poker Club in Fort Worth, Texas will plead guilty to one count of engaging in organized criminal activity and another of gambling promotion, PokerNews reports. A third charge against Joe Vongkaysone -- keeping a gambling...
Iditarod Husky Deaths Renew Calls for Ban on Alaska’s Iconic Iditarod Race
A recent spate of dog deaths during Alaska’s grueling Iditarod mushing race has renewed calls to prohibit the event. The Iditarod is one of the few opportunities for legal gambling in Alaska. The state allows charitable sweepstakes on certain culturally traditional games,...
Ex L.A. Deputy Mayor Back on Trial in ‘Casino Loyale’ Corruption Case
The trial of former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan on charges of racketeering, bribery, and fraud was underway this week in a federal court. It’s the second time federal prosecutors have attempted to try Chan for his alleged role in a...
New UK National Lottery Operator Fields Fresh Queries on Russia Ties
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) failed to disclose to lawmakers that Allwyn, its chosen bidder for the £80 billion (US$100 billion) UK National Lottery contract, had outstanding loans from Russian state-owned banks, The Guardian reports. Czech company Allwyn took over the reins of...
Jacksonville Jaguars Employee Who Stole $22M Gets 6.5 Years
A Florida man who stole $22 million from the Jacksonville Jaguars to fund a prodigious gambling habit has been sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison. Last December, Amit Patel pleaded guilty to wire fraud and engaging in an...
Sportsbet Suspends Greyhound Betting Market Over ‘Racist Comment’
Australian-facing online betting company Sportsbet was forced to pull the betting market on the final race at Maitland Greyhound Track on Monday. That's after a “racist” message appeared in its live feed. The controversy surrounded a racing dog named for the Indigenous...
Chicago Sweepstakes Operator’s Trial Sinks When ‘Organized Crime’ Mentioned
The case against the owner of a Chicago sweepstakes machine company accused of involvement in shaking down a victim over a loan collapsed last Friday. That's after somebody mentioned “organized crime.” Gene “Gino” Cassano, 55, and his codefendant, Gioacchino “Jack” Galione, 47,...
Chinese Tourist Faked Own Kidnap in Singapore to Recoup Gambling Loss
A Chinese gambler took drastic measures after losing a chunk of money on a casino trip to Singapore. Liu Changjian, 33, is accused of faking his own kidnapping in an effort to terrorize his relatives into paying a phony ransom of around...
Former UK Cop Admits Orchestrating £4M Betting Syndicate Ponzi
A British former police officer has pleaded guilty to five charges related to the running of a “Ponzi scheme” horse-betting syndicate that defrauded investors of millions. Michael Stanley, 67, was once a sergeant for Kent Police. But from 2012 to 2019, he...
