Rio Terror Plot Foiled by Brazilian Authorities, Vegas Defends Summer Olympics Sports Betting

Posted on: July 21, 2016, 05:00h. 

Last updated on: July 21, 2016, 04:26h.

Casino.org Staff Writer Read More

Expertise: Commercial Gaming.

A Rio terror plot planned to be carried out by sympathizers of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has been intercepted. Brazilian authorities disclosed this week that 10 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of carrying out an attack during the upcoming Olympics.

With just 15 days until the opening ceremonies and on the heels of the Orlando nightclub massacre and Nice, France terror, Brazil is on high alert.

Brazil’s intelligence agency ABIN intercepted the plans, but admittedly revealed the group was “absolutely amateurish.”

“Those involved participated in an online group denominated ‘the defenders of Sharia’ and were planning to acquire weapons,” Brazilian Minister of Justice Alexandre Moraes said during a press conference. “They were complete amateurs and ill-prepared.”

Code Red

The now-defunct US Homeland Security Advisory System that was often criticized in the media for its color-coded terrorism threat level is no laughing matter in 2016. The emergence of ISIS and the worldwide terror being laced upon unsuspecting innocent people is of constant concern for both law enforcement agencies and the general public.

What seemed like continuously elevated threat levels post-9/11 in the US became a scorn of media attention. In Brazil, officials do the exact opposite and almost seem to downplay threats.

Just last week, Brazilian leaders said the potential of terrorism during the Rio Olympics was small.

Now with one Rio terror plot already coming to light, the country is on the offensive.

“The government has adopted all the measures recommended by international security protocols,” Brazil Sports Minister Leonardo Picciani said. “The government is absolutely convinced that the games will be safe.”

City of Controversy

Terrorism isn’t the only item of concern for those venturing to Rio. Police are welcoming visitors at the airport in Rio with a sign reading, “Welcome to hell. Whoever comes to Rio de Janeiro will not be safe.”

The following stories about additional issues that are exacerbating the tense climate at the 2016 Rio Olympics should also be kept in mind. Just in case you will be packing your bags for the trip to Rio De Janeiro next month:

• Zika fears
• Body parts wash ashore
• Rio water heavily contaminated

Vegas Defends Olympics Betting

Nevada’s Gaming Control Board unanimously amended its state gaming law in March to allow sportsbooks to offer lines on the 2016 Rio Olympics. It’s a monumental decision considering the Olympics were founded as an amateur competition, though of course that is no longer the case.

Casinos in Las Vegas are unapologetic in opening their books to the Summer Games. 

Los Angeles Times journalist Lance Pugmire recently ventured to Sin City to take the pulse of bookmakers.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it,” Westgate SuperBook exec Jay Kornegay said. “The Kenyans in the marathon, the Russians, they get paid. Our athletes get endorsements. There are very few amateurs left.”

Others echoed Kornegay’s position saying the innocence of the Olympics is long gone. Basketball is expected to command the most betting action in Las Vegas.

The new lines also mean more work for oddsmakers who now must quickly become familiar with and learn sports they don’t typically offer.

“I know basketball, soccer, golf. As far as swimming, fencing, absolutely not,” Kornegay stated.