Gambling Bust
It was more than a decade in the making, but local and federal officials announce they busted a sports betting ring that handled more than 5-billion dollars.
It started with an anonymous letter to Plano police. A Plano undercover officer spent years peeling back the layers of what turned out to be a sports gambling scheme with international connections — and some bettors placing incredible wagers.
“Six or seven figures; and obviously we are in the big time here,” said John Bales, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.
How big? Authorities confiscated stacks of gold and cash, with one safe containing more than a million dollars, according to investigators. Valuable sports collectibles were seized and will be sold at auction – and expensive real estate, including condos in Las Vegas.
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Todd’s Take: Legalize it! I’ll never understand the concerted effort law enforcement makes to go after a gambling ring with so many more illicit behaviors out there worth pursuing. If anyone thinks this bust was coincidentally made during the build-up to football you’re only kidding yourself. Do I condone illegal activity? Of course not but much like prohibition back in the 20’s people are going to do everything they can when it pertains to their vices. Making sports betting nationalized, regulated, and legalized would solve a handful of problems. The most prevalent argument against it is the addictive qualities? Explain that to every state looking to push video poker as a means of generating revenue for the coffers.
