New York Men Sentenced For Roles In Illegal Sports Betting Ring
The crackdown on illegal sports betting continues. Two New York men were sentenced to 10 months of home detention and three years of probation for their roles in an illegal Rochester betting ring. Louis P. Ferrari, II, 42, and Dominic Sprague, 40, were convicted of conspiracy to transmit wagering information in interstate commerce and conduct an illegal gambling business.
The illegal business generated approximately $2,000 in gross revenue, illegally operating without a proper license like other NY sports betting apps do. Ferrari forfeited $150,000 amassed while booking bets. Sprague forfeited $92,000. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security and the IRS.
New York Shuts Down Illegal Betting Operation
The men allegedly conspired with others to run the illegal bookmaking business from April 25, 2019, to April 17, 2021. Ferrari and Anthony Amato, another conspirator in the case, set up accounts for other conspirators at sport700.com. This site is how the illegal bookmaker ran its operation for individual bettors.
Ferrari calls Amato. They register accounts, place, edit, and remove bets, and collect and distribute funds. Bettors use cash and online payment options, including CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle, to conduct their wagers. Sprague and Lombardo keep a portion of payments, with the rest going to Ferrari.
Illegal Gambling Crackdowns Continue
This Rochester betting ring case is the latest example of the crackdown on illegal sports betting. In June, New York officials shut down an illegal gambling operation run by members of the Gambino crime family. With the launch of New York sportsbooks and the thriving market in the Big Apple, lawmakers have more incentive to target illegal operators.
The crackdowns have affected not only illegal bookmakers but also illegal betting from individuals. A gambler involved in the Alabama betting scandal was sentenced to eight months in prison. Jontay Porter of the NBA pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy. Porter’s involvement in the scandal included point shaving and leaking information to scam sportsbooks.
With the legal sports betting market continuing to thrive, there is less room for illegal bookmakers and shady gambling practices. Those involved in illegal gambling face serious legal repercussions. The smartest choice is to avoid illegal gambling and only participate in sports wagering at legal, regulated sportsbooks.
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