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Tag: Illegal gambling

  • UK agency questions Meta’s policies for illegal gambling site ads

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    The UK Gambling Commission has raised concerns that Meta is ignoring advertisements by illegal gambling websites on its platforms. At a conference in Barcelona, the commission’s Executive Director Tim Miller criticized Meta’s behavior towards advertisements for online gambling on its Facebook and Instagram social networks.

    “Companies like Meta will tell you that they don’t tolerate the advertising of illegal sites and will remove them if they are notified about them,” Miller’s speech transcript reads. “But that approach suggests that they don’t know about those ads unless alerted. That is simply false.”

    Meta’s internal policy is that gambling sites must be licensed in the markets where their ads run. However, the agency was able to conduct basic searches for advertisers that are not on its GamStop platform, which helps people block themselves from accessing online gambling sites. GamStop integration is required for an operator to receive a UK license.

    “I would be very surprised if Meta, as one of the world’s largest tech companies is incapable of proactively using their own keyword facility to prevent the advertising of illegal gambling,” Miller said. “It could leave you with the impression they are quite happy to turn a blind eye and continue taking money from criminals and scammers until someone shouts about it.”

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    Anna Washenko

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  • Florida Gaming Regulator Doubles Down on Illegal Gambling Raids

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    Posted on: January 6, 2026, 02:00h. 

    Last updated on: January 5, 2026, 04:03h.

    • Florida gaming regulators seized over $14 million from illegal gambling businesses in 2025
    • The state also confiscated 6,725 unregulated gambling machines last year

    The countless illegal gambling rooms across Florida have been put on notice that their illicit businesses are being targeted by law enforcement.

    Florida gambling illegal casino arcade
    The Triple Cherry Arcade in Ft. Myers is an illegal gambling outfit disguised as an arcade. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling on state lawmakers to increase penalties for running an illegal gambling operation from misdemeanors to felonies. (Image: Google Maps)

    The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) is the chief gaming regulator of all forms of lawful casino gambling, parimutuel wagering, and sports betting in the Sunshine State. The agency’s mission is to “preserve and protect” the integrity of gaming activities, including criminal investigation and enforcement.

    The gaming regulator says its raids last year of unregulated gambling parlors, often masquerading as arcades, resulted in the seizure of $14,474,336. The regulator doubled the roughly $7.1 million it seized from illegal casinos in 2024.

    “I thank Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their ongoing support of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Their actions strengthen Florida’s gambling laws and help protect our communities,” said FGCC Executive Director Alana Zimmer.

    “The FGCC has been working diligently to halt illegal gambling through enforcement actions across the state, demonstrating the dedication of FGCC’s law enforcement officers,” Zimmer added.

    Record Crackdown

    Along with the more than $14.4 million in seized money, the FGCC says it captured a record 6,725 illegal slot machines during the enforcement actions last year. The department seized only 1,287 illegal gaming terminals in the prior year.

    Such gaming machines are not tested or regulated by the state for fair play and consumer safeguards. Players have no assurances that the machines pay, with some machines found programmed to pay out far below slot machines found inside Seminole and Hard Rock casinos.

    The FGCC and state Attorney General James Uthmeier are hopeful that 2026 is the year when state lawmakers elevate penalties for running an illegal gambling business. Currently, violators are subjected to only misdemeanor charges.

    It’s not enough of a deterrent. I encourage the Florida Legislature to pursue heightened criminal penalties and increase the current misdemeanor charge to a felony,” Uthmeier said in November.

    “Not only does it violate our state’s rule of law and put our consumers at risk, but it often breeds other illicit acts, like human and drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering,” the AG continued.

    Retirees Targeted 

    With Florida home to one of the largest retiree populations in the country, many schemers have preyed on the older people with illegal gambling arcades where the machines rarely hit big. In September, Casino.org reported on one such arcade near The Villages that reportedly won over $24 million from players in just a few years.

    Right now, people can stand to make millions off unlawful gambling operations and just end up with a slap on the wrist,” Uthmeier said.

    Slot machines are limited to eight licensed pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, along with casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe. For a list of legal, regulated slot machine locations, click here.

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • Florida AG Asks Lawmakers to Elevate Illegal Gambling Penalties

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    Posted on: November 25, 2025, 08:09h. 

    Last updated on: November 25, 2025, 08:10h.

    • Florida AG Uthmeier wants the state to increase penalties for running an illegal gambling business
    • Florida currently only levies misdemeanor charges against unlicensed gambling enterprises

    The attorney general of Florida enforces the law but cannot make it. He’s pleading with state lawmakers in Tallahassee to update penalties related to illegal gambling convictions.

    Florida gambling illegal casino arcade
    The Triple Cherry Arcade in Fort Myers is an illegal gambling outfit disguised as an arcade. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling on state lawmakers to increase penalties for running an illegal gambling operation from misdemeanors to felonies. (Image: Google Maps)

    On Monday, following yet another high-profile case involving an illegal gambling business, this one involving a county sheriff and his wife who were allegedly involved in the criminal enterprise, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier “encouraged” the legislature to elevate penalties against those convicted of operating unlicensed gambling houses from misdemeanors to felonies.

    Not only does it violate our state’s rule of law and put our consumers at risk, but it often breeds other illicit acts, like human and drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering. Right now, people can stand to make millions off unlawful gambling operations and just end up with a slap on the wrist,” Uthmeier said.

    “This is not sending the right message,” Uthmeier continued. “It is not enough of a deterrent. I encourage the Florida Legislature to pursue heightened criminal penalties and increase the current misdemeanor charge to a felony.”

    Sun Setting on Illegal Gambling? 

    Florida has the highest concentration of retirees in the country. About 21% of the Sunshine State’s population is aged 65 and older.

    Many older adults enjoy playing slot machines. But with Las Vegas-like slots limited in Florida to the Seminole Tribe’s six land-based casinos and slot machines within Miami-Dade and Broward counties, many illegal gambling “arcades” have popped up from the Everglades to the Panhandle.

    The unregulated businesses commonly offer newer slot terminals found in casinos across the nation. But unlike legal gambling enterprises, the games are not monitored for fair play.

    In Florida, slot machines are required to have a minimum payout rate of 85%. At unregulated gambling arcades, some machines have been set to as low as 18%.

    Unregulated gambling businesses often lack responsible gaming safeguards, and the venues typically have lax security protocols.

    The possible financial gain, with many of the illegal businesses reportedly raking in millions of dollars a year, outweighs the possible misdemeanor penalties, says Uthmeier.

    It’s time to ensure that the consequences for this illicit behavior correspond with the dangers it brings into our communities,” Uthmeier said.

    The attorney general said law enforcement has taken down numerous large-scale illegal gambling operations that have spanned in the “tens of millions of dollars.” However, much law enforcement work regarding illegal gambling remains, as many of the bad actors open new illegal gambling arcades following their misdemeanor convictions.

    Bill Introduced

    Legislation to increase illegal gambling convictions in Florida to felonies died in the state House of Representatives earlier this year. When the legislature convenes for its 2026 session in January, the discussion will continue.

    State Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Union) and Rep. Dana Trabulsy (R-St. Lucie) have pre-filed gaming bills in their respective chambers to levy felony charges in the third degree against persons found to be running an illegal gambling business. A person found guilty of a third-degree felony in Florida faces “a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years.”

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • New York City Fire Investigators Discover Illegal Gambling Den in Death-Trap Cellar – Casino.org

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    Posted on: September 18, 2025, 07:11h. 

    Last updated on: September 18, 2025, 07:23h.

    The discovery of a hidden underground gambling den in Manhattan on Tuesday was entirely accidental. FDNY inspectors were responding to a routine complaint about illegal lithium battery charging in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

    This is part of a hallway casino busted up this week in an illegally converted Manhattan cellar. (Image: FDNY)
    One of five illegal bedrooms in the cellar, which was located not far from New York’s Tenement Museum. (Image: FDNY)

    But the uncertified lithium-ion batteries, of the kind known to have sparked multiple fatal fires across New York City in recent years, were only the first of many layers of lawlessness that revealed themselves to the inspectors in the death-trap basement beneath the connected buildings of 118-120 Elizabeth St.

    Also revealing themselves were five bedrooms crammed with 10 cots, hot plates and space heaters yet no secondary exits.

    “Due to the mazelike nature of the cellar, lack of secondary egress, and heavy clutter, all the sleeping areas were considered severe life risks,” the FDNY report read.

    Gambling With Their Lives

    Three storage rooms were also piled like garbage with counterfeit Prada bags and other combustible materials, and the front hall was lined with 17 illegal slot machines and a couch.

    This was one of three storage room crammed with counterfeit goods. (Image: FDNY)

    “What our Fire Prevention members found was a disaster waiting to happen,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said.

    The FDNY called for backup from the city’s Department of Buildings, which issued a vacate order for the residents of the cellar, and the NYPD Vice Squad, which confiscated the slot machines and counterfeit bags.

    Two FDNY summonses and two criminal summonses were issued, through no arrests were made.

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    Corey Levitan

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  • ‘It’s too close for comfort’: Texts show Marcos Lopez’s alleged role in gambling operation

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    Arrest documents for former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez were released Friday and detail his alleged role in a gambling operation.Lopez was arrested on June 5 and faces charges of one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering. The affidavit includes a screen grab of a text message Lopez sent to co-defendant Ying “Kate” Zhang in September 2019. Investigators describe Zhang, a Chinese-born realtor, as “an investor and co-business owner” in the illegal enterprise.Lopez wrote in a text message, “Kate, nothing to worry. No matter what the outcome is, when I win, we start the first internet amusement cafe in Osceola County. You will be safe and not have to worry about anything because I will be your sheriff.”According to the affidavit, Lopez introduced Zhang to Krishna Deokaran in August 2019 at the Player’s Club in Leesburg. Investigators describe Deokaran as being at the helm of the operation, owning casinos in Lake County and the Eclipse Social Club. Zhang has not been arrested, and a source told WESH 2 Investigates she is believed to have fled the country.When Deokaran suggested opening a gambling business near the Osceola Sheriff’s Office on State Road 192, investigators say Lopez replied, “No, that can’t work because it’s too close for comfort.” Eventually, investigators say Lopez connected Deokaran with what would become the Eclipse site, later texting, “We did a raid. I shut the place down. It’s ours.”After the casino opened at this location in Kissimmee, an anonymous tip led investigators to discover the TikTok page openly advertising slot machines and fish tables.In proffer interviews with investigators, Deokaran admitted paying Lopez cash each time they met — anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 — totaling between $600,000 and $700,000. The payments, prosecutors allege, were for securing the site, alerting the operation of possible task force investigations and keeping deputies away.Deokaran has forfeited nearly $1 million in Osceola and Orange counties after raids shut down his illegal casinos, but he has not been arrested.Court records show Deokaran’s admissions came as part of a proffer agreement, in which defendants may receive reduced charges or a plea deal in exchange for cooperation. Jose Rivas, a defense attorney not representing anyone in this case, said, “Well, it’s the big fish when it comes because he’s running the organization. But at the same time, what the government is really after is the public official which is Marcos Lopez.”The affidavit reveals Deokaran cooperated with investigators during proffer interviews. Rivas explained, “A proffer is what we call a snitch session. You know, pretty much in more formal terms. It’s when someone provides what we call substantial assistance.”The affidavit calls the former sheriff a “protector and beneficiary of the illicit operation,” and says he: played a multifaceted role in the expansion and protection of the enterprisejoined for political campaign contributions and personal payment pledged to use his anticipated elected sheriff’s title to shield the enterprise from law enforcement scrutiny recruited new members, secured leases for new locationsOfficials were tipped off in September of 2022 that the Eclipse Social Club in Kissimmee was operating as a casino with Las Vegas-style machines, the affidavit says. In July 2023, an agent went undercover into the establishment where people had to ring a bell and get through security and a locked door to enter. Lopez’s defense team of attorneys, Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez, sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:”In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”See the full documents below. Background Lopez was accused of engaging in the gambling operation for campaign contributions and personal payments. In total, investigators said the organization generated over $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez from his position as sheriff and appointed an interim sheriff, Christopher Blackmon.His bond was set at $1 million, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges.One week after Lopez was booked into the Lake County Jail, WESH 2 Investigates learned a multi-agency raid in 2024 shut down the casino at the center of the state’s racketeering case.On June 23, Robin Severance Lopez, the suspended sheriff’s estranged wife, was arrested. She is charged with conspiracy to use investment proceeds from racketeering. Marcos Lopez bonded out of jail on June 26. He has pleaded not guilty.Lopez’s defense team of attorneys Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:”In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”Arrest docsTimeline

    Arrest documents for former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez were released Friday and detail his alleged role in a gambling operation.

    Lopez was arrested on June 5 and faces charges of one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering.

    The affidavit includes a screen grab of a text message Lopez sent to co-defendant Ying “Kate” Zhang in September 2019. Investigators describe Zhang, a Chinese-born realtor, as “an investor and co-business owner” in the illegal enterprise.

    Lopez wrote in a text message, “Kate, nothing to worry. No matter what the outcome is, when I win, we start the first internet amusement cafe in Osceola County. You will be safe and not have to worry about anything because I will be your sheriff.”

    According to the affidavit, Lopez introduced Zhang to Krishna Deokaran in August 2019 at the Player’s Club in Leesburg. Investigators describe Deokaran as being at the helm of the operation, owning casinos in Lake County and the Eclipse Social Club. Zhang has not been arrested, and a source told WESH 2 Investigates she is believed to have fled the country.

    When Deokaran suggested opening a gambling business near the Osceola Sheriff’s Office on State Road 192, investigators say Lopez replied, “No, that can’t work because it’s too close for comfort.”

    Eventually, investigators say Lopez connected Deokaran with what would become the Eclipse site, later texting, “We did a raid. I shut the place down. It’s ours.”

    After the casino opened at this location in Kissimmee, an anonymous tip led investigators to discover the TikTok page openly advertising slot machines and fish tables.

    In proffer interviews with investigators, Deokaran admitted paying Lopez cash each time they met — anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 — totaling between $600,000 and $700,000.

    The payments, prosecutors allege, were for securing the site, alerting the operation of possible task force investigations and keeping deputies away.

    Deokaran has forfeited nearly $1 million in Osceola and Orange counties after raids shut down his illegal casinos, but he has not been arrested.

    Court records show Deokaran’s admissions came as part of a proffer agreement, in which defendants may receive reduced charges or a plea deal in exchange for cooperation.

    Jose Rivas, a defense attorney not representing anyone in this case, said, “Well, it’s the big fish when it comes because he’s running the organization. But at the same time, what the government is really after is the public official which is Marcos Lopez.”

    The affidavit reveals Deokaran cooperated with investigators during proffer interviews. Rivas explained, “A proffer is what we call a snitch session. You know, pretty much in more formal terms. It’s when someone provides what we call substantial assistance.”

    The affidavit calls the former sheriff a “protector and beneficiary of the illicit operation,” and says he:

    • played a multifaceted role in the expansion and protection of the enterprise
    • joined for political campaign contributions and personal payment
    • pledged to use his anticipated elected sheriff’s title to shield the enterprise from law enforcement scrutiny
    • recruited new members, secured leases for new locations

    WESH 2 News

    Arrest docs detail former Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s alleged role in gambling operation

    Officials were tipped off in September of 2022 that the Eclipse Social Club in Kissimmee was operating as a casino with Las Vegas-style machines, the affidavit says.

    In July 2023, an agent went undercover into the establishment where people had to ring a bell and get through security and a locked door to enter.

    Lopez’s defense team of attorneys, Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez, sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:

    “In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.

    It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”

    See the full documents below.

    Background

    Lopez was accused of engaging in the gambling operation for campaign contributions and personal payments.

    In total, investigators said the organization generated over $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez from his position as sheriff and appointed an interim sheriff, Christopher Blackmon.

    His bond was set at $1 million, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    One week after Lopez was booked into the Lake County Jail, WESH 2 Investigates learned a multi-agency raid in 2024 shut down the casino at the center of the state’s racketeering case.

    On June 23, Robin Severance Lopez, the suspended sheriff’s estranged wife, was arrested.

    She is charged with conspiracy to use investment proceeds from racketeering.

    Marcos Lopez bonded out of jail on June 26. He has pleaded not guilty.

    Lopez’s defense team of attorneys Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:

    “In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.

    It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”

    Arrest docs

    Timeline

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  • New details emerge in alleged gambling ring behind Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal

    New details emerge in alleged gambling ring behind Shohei Ohtani-Ippei Mizuhara scandal

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    Shohei Ohtani is still just playing baseball after being all but cleared in the Ippei Mizuhara scandal. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

    If you were curious about what exactly happened to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s money after it was allegedly stolen by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, a new report from ESPN’s Tisha Thompson has shed new light on the situation.

    The man at the center of the alleged illegal gambling ring that received Ohtani’s money was Mathew Bowyer, who has been under investigation by federal authorities since last year. Ohtani was only roped into the scandal when authorities noticed his bank information among the payments to Bowyer.

    Mizuhara reportedly funneled weekly $500,000 payments from Ohtani’s bank account to an associate of Bowyer’s to cover his illegal gambling losses. ESPN reports that associate would then deposit the money into accounts with Resorts World, a Las Vegas casino opened in 2021, and Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

    Bowyer and the associate would then allegedly convert the money to playing chips, gamble with it and cash out if they won. Bowyer reportedly lost $7.9 million at Resorts World from June 2022 to October 2023, a span of time in which he was receiving money from Mizuhara.

    This is all apparently part of a much larger trend in the gambling world in which illegal bookies in Southern California use Las Vegas casinos to launder money. Twelve people have reportedly been charged and convicted, while two Vegas casinos have agreed to pay fines.

    There’s even a tangential connection to LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers star’s friend and business partner, Maverick Carter, reportedly admitted late last year that he bet on NBA games via an illegal bookie. ESPN reports that bookie, Wayne Nix, has since pleaded guilty to operating an illegal gambling business and filing a false tax return. NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and former MLB star Yasiel Puig also reportedly made bets through Nix.

    In the case of Bowyer, he reportedly boasted more than 600 bettors and was known as a whale in Vegas, with a reputation for bringing between $250,000 and $1 million with him as often as two or three times per month.

    As far as Ohtani, the Dodgers and MLB, the Ippei Mizuhara situation is in the rear-view mirror.

    Mizuhara turned himself in on a federal charge of bank fraud earlier this month and is currently out on $25,000 bond. His attorney released a statement soon after indicating Mizuhara’s desire to cut a deal with prosecutors rather than go to trial, in which he would face up to 30 years in prison:

    Today Mr. Mizuhara voluntarily surrendered, made his initial appearance, and was released on bond as agreed to with the government. He is continuing to cooperate with the legal process and is hopeful that he can reach an agreement with the government to resolve this case as quickly as possible so that he can take responsibility.

    He wishes to apologize to Mr. Ohtani, the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and his family. As noted in court, he is also eager to seek treatment for his gambling. We have no further comment at this time, but Mr. Mizuhara will be providing further comment as the legal process proceeds.

    To date, no reports of a deal have materialized, but that doesn’t mean negotiations aren’t happening.

    Meanwhile, MLB has released a statement recognizing that authorities see Ohtani as a victim, leaving them little to investigate.

    This is about as good of an outcome as Ohtani and his people could have hoped for after his name popped up on an illegal bookie’s ledger, but it remains a very sad situation. It has become clear that Mizuhara was both very close to Ohtani and suffered from enormous issues with gambling addiction.

    Now, Ohtani is just focusing on baseball again, while Mizuhara is sorting out an unenviable legal situation.

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  • Indianapolis Colts player Isaiah Rodgers Sr. says he takes ‘full responsibility’ amid reports of NFL probe into gambling violations | CNN

    Indianapolis Colts player Isaiah Rodgers Sr. says he takes ‘full responsibility’ amid reports of NFL probe into gambling violations | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Indianapolis Colts player Isaiah Rodgers Sr. said he takes “full responsibility” while adding that he made an “error in judgment” after reports that he is being investigated by the NFL for possibly breaching the league’s gambling policy.

    ESPN and SportsHandle.com, citing unnamed sources, reported that a sportsbook account was opened under the name of one of Rodger’s associates, where approximately 100 bets were placed over an undisclosed amount of times.

    “Addressing the current reports, I want to take full responsibility for my actions,” Rodgers said in a statement on Twitter on Monday. “I know I have made mistakes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to repair the situation.

    “The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be a distraction to the Colts organization, my coaches and my teammates. I’ve let people down that I care about. I made an error in judgment and I am going to work hard to make sure that those mistakes are rectified through this process. It’s an honor to play in the NFL and I have never taken that lightly. I am very sorry for all of this.”

    Most of the bets placed were in the $25-$50 range, with some of them being on Colts games, according to ESPN.

    In a statement to CNN, the Colts acknowledged the team was aware of the NFL’s investigation but provided no further comment. Meanwhile, an NFL spokesperson told CNN the league did not have a comment, when asked about the report.

    Rodgers, who was selected by the Colts in the sixth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, played in 15 games for the team last season and was expected to be a starter this upcoming season.

    The 25-year-old Rodgers, who is on the final year of his four-year contract with the team, is the latest player in the NFL to be investigated for breaching the league’s gambling policy.

    In April, the NFL suspended five players for violating the league’s gambling policy. Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during the 2022 season. Meanwhile, Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions received a six-game suspension for placing bets on non-NFL games from NFL facilities.

    Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was reinstated by the league in March, after a year-long suspension for gambling on NFL games while he was a member with the Atlanta Falcons.

    The NFL’s gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all league personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any team or league facility or venue.

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  • Philippines shuts 214 illegal online gambling operations

    Philippines shuts 214 illegal online gambling operations

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    MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials say they have shut down at least 214 illegal Chinese offshore gambling operations and deported the first six of nearly 400 Chinese workers who have been detained under a renewed crackdown.

    A spate of crimes victimizing Chinese workers at illegal online gambling businesses, including kidnappings and sexual abuses, sparked the crackdown and calls for the banning of even legitimate operators in the lucrative industry.

    Called Philippine offshore gaming operators, or POGOs, the Chinese-run gambling firms are based in the Philippines, but their customers are overseas. They began growing rapidly in 2016, generating about 30 billion pesos ($508 million) in gambling revenues and fees from 2016 to this year, officials said.

    The current crackdown is directed against Chinese operators who have not paid taxes or revenue shares or have committed other violations of the law. The visas of their estimated 48,000 mostly Chinese workers will be canceled, and they can either leave on their own or face mass deportations, Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano said by telephone.

    “All of these illegal POGOs cannot operate in the country and the people who work for them are violating our laws and we should make sure that they leave our country,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters at Manila’s international airport, where the six deported Chinese workers boarded a commercial flight on Wednesday back to China.

    Beijing has backed the crackdown on online gambling operations, which cater to clients in China despite Beijing’s ban on gambling.

    “Crimes induced by and associated with POGO not only harm China’s interests and China-Philippines relations, but also hurt the interests of the Philippines,” the Chinese Embassy said in a statement last week.

    “It is, therefore, widely believed that social costs of POGO far outweigh its economic benefits to the Philippines in the long run,” the embassy said.

    The six deported Chinese were among 372 mostly Chinese workers who have been detained by Philippine authorities starting in September from different offshore gambling sites, Clavano said.

    The identities of the other Chinese are still being verified with Chinese authorities in an often-tedious process prior to their deportation, Clavano said.

    Remulla said authorities are also checking how many of the more than 48,000 Chinese workers currently remain in the country because some may have left.

    More than 200,000 to 300,000 Chinese were believed to have worked in the online gambling operations when the business peaked starting in 2016, boosting real estate, transport and food businesses in cities where they were based. But a considerable number were forced to leave due to sporadic government crackdowns, a more stringent tax law and the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.

    Philippine legislators have debated whether to ban the online Chinese gambling industry altogether.

    “It is true that they contribute to the coffers, but it comes at significant social costs, which in turn pose a reputational risk that can affect our business and investment climate,” Sen. Grace Poe told a Senate hearing on the issue early this month.

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  • Chinese man gets 24 years for brutal group attack on women

    Chinese man gets 24 years for brutal group attack on women

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    TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A court in northern China sentenced one man to 24 years in jail Friday for his role in a vicious attack on four women, as well as other crimes including robbery and opening an illegal gambling ring.

    The Guangyang Disrict People’s Court in northern Hebei province announced in a statement that the man, Chen Jizhi, was a ringleader of a criminal gang and had conducted criminal activities for years.

    The court also sentenced 27 others. The charges against them include opening casinos, robbery, assisting in cybercrime activities, picking quarrels and provoking trouble and sentences range from 6 months to 11 years.

    Authorities had started the investigation into Chen after a video came to light in early June in which he and some other men started beating up four women at a barbecue restaurant in Tangshan, a city in Hebei. The men spared no force, using glass bottles and their fists to attack the women and even throwing a chair.

    Chen had started the assault on a woman after she rejected his advances and pushed away his hand. He then put his hands on her, and dragged her out of her chair. He was joined quickly by members of his crew as the woman’s friends tried to stop his attack. The incident was caught on video from surveillance cameras in the restaurant.

    The graphic videos set off public anger and despair as many women raised concerns for their personal safety.

    It also recalled the public sense of despair over violence against women that went unpunished, such as a case earlier in the year where a video circulated of a woman chained to the wall in a home in the country side. Authorities later found in an investigation that the woman had been trafficked and sold as a bride.

    Initially, police arrested nine people, seven men and two women, for the attack on the four women. Two of the women had to be hospitalized for their injuries.

    The investigation over the public assault has evolved into a larger investigation over criminal activities and corruption. Prosecutors later said they were charging 27 other people for crimes uncovered during the investigation.

    In August, Communist Party authorities from the Hebei Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection said they were investigating 15 officials over corruption that involved “evil organizations,” including those associated with the attackers.

    The 15, including the director of Tangshan’s public security bureau and officers from several police stations, are suspected of abuse of power, bribery and other job-related crimes. Eight of them have been detained during the investigation.



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  • Alabama: 14 electronic bingo halls around Jefferson County close after raids | Yogonet International

    Alabama: 14 electronic bingo halls around Jefferson County close after raids | Yogonet International

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    Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced state and federal authorities raided and closed 14 electronic bingo halls around Jefferson County.

    In a press release, the Attorney General said that his office obtained temporary restraining orders against those businesses, which will keep them closed pending a court decision within the next two weeks. 

    “The facilities shut down today were operating in blatant violation of state law, apparently without fear or reprisal. Our action this week came in response to numerous complaints about the trouble that illegal gambling has brought into these communities,” Marshall said. 

    “These citizens deserve better. Allowing criminal enterprises to operate freely, in broad daylight, is offensive to the rule of law and will not be tolerated,” he added.

    The raids continue a decades-old argument over the legality of electronic bingo in the state. Numerous counties have passed bingo amendments that they believe give them the right to operate the games. Marshall and the state’s Supreme Court have disagreed, calling the games illegal slot machines. 

    The electronic games, which are played at all Poarch Band of Creek Indians casinos, are legal under the federal definition of bingo and several states have also adopted that definition. The raids this week were conducted by ALEA, the FBI and DEA.

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  • Chinese online platforms cut live streaming features over gambling concerns | Yogonet International

    Chinese online platforms cut live streaming features over gambling concerns | Yogonet International

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    Chinese online content platforms, including Tencent Music and NetEase’s Cloud Music, have removed live streaming features due to concerns about potential illegal gambling activities. This move is expected to impact their quarterly revenues significantly.

    The decision to remove features like virtual lucky draws follows a government crackdown on live streaming, aimed at curbing online gambling, Reuters reported. Despite platforms’ claims of prohibiting gambling, analysts note that popular lucky draws often involve collusion between live streamers and viewers to distribute prizes.

    These features have positively impacted the thriving live-streaming market, valued at approximately 152 billion yuan ($21 billion) in 2022 according to research firm Analysys.

    The government’s actions led Tencent Music and Huya to “proactively deactivate live streaming features that involve games of chance,” Ivan Su, a Morningstar analyst, was quoted as saying in the Reuters report. This move has curtailed a profitable revenue stream for these platforms.

    In their recent second-quarter earnings reports, Tencent’s online music division and its Huya gaming platform indicated a decline of 24% and 16% in their social entertainment revenues, which encompass live streaming, compared to the same period last year.

    Likewise, Cloud Music, primarily owned by NetEase, revealed a 24% year-on-year decrease in social entertainment revenue for the second quarter. This category contributes roughly half of the platform’s total revenue.

    Online gambling remains a concern for Chinese authorities, with officials saying in 2020 that the cross-border flow of funds for this activity posed a national security risk. Several platforms took down lottery-like features that year in response to regulatory pressure but introduced new ones later with minor modifications.

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