Issue 351
June 4 - June 10, 2007
Volume 7
page 2
 


Indicted financial processing group pleads not guilt
By Ryan McLane, Casino City

Hill Financial Services, Gateway Technologies and seven defendants pleaded not guilty yesterday to money laundering, racketeering conspiracy and bank fraud charges, according to U.S. Attorney Brett L. Tolman's office.

Representatives from BetUS.com and CurrenC Worldwide, two other companies charged in the 34-count indictment unsealed earlier this month in Utah, were not present at the arraignment and have not yet been served, U.S. Attorney spokesperson Melodie Rydalch said.

BetUS does not have a presence in the U.S. which is complicating standard serving procedures and U.S. officials are still unsure which person will be charged on behalf of CurrenC Worldwide, Rydalch said.

The seven defendants, Baron Lombardo, 46, Richard Carson-Selman, 51, Henry G. Bankey, 49, Francisco Lombardo, 52, Count C. Lombardo, 43, Tina I. Hill, 32, and Kimberlie Lombardo 43 are all Las Vegas residents.

The group is accused of deceiving credit card companies by mislabeling more than $150 million in U.S.-based online gambling transactions.

The indictment also alleges that at least one U.S. bank official had been bribed to ensure the transactions were miscoded.

The U.S. Attorney is attempting to recover the $150 million under RICO, the federal Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations law.

"Payment processors who attempt to hide the true nature of the transactions they are conducting and the Internet gambling websites that use these payment processors will be prosecuted and brought to justice," said Tolman in a statement.

A trial date has not been set, Rydalch said. The group is scheduled to appear a trial status conference on August 6 in front of Federal Judge Paul Cassell.


 



Massachusetts tribe can open casino
As reported by The Patriot Ledger

BOSTON, Mass. - "The Mashpee Wampanoags had more to celebrate than their official federal recognition as a tribe, which took effect on Thursday: now the Cape Cod-based tribe can move ahead with plans to open a casino as early as 2010.

"The tribe already holds options on land in Middleboro and is also considering a site in New Bedford.

"The tribe can now seek federal approval of a casino offering the types of gambling that are already allowed in the state, or state approval for a more lucrative, full-fledged Foxwoods-style casino.

"The possibility of the Wampanoags opening a tax-exempt casino - completely cutting the state out of the action - prompted Treasurer Timothy Cahill to say last week that the state should consider joining with the tribe on a destination casino.

"...But the tribe needs state approval to upgrade its offerings to 'Class III' gambling - that is, slot machines, baccarat, craps, and house-banked table games. That's a far more attractive option, because slot machines typically account for 70 percent of a casino's revenues, industry experts say..."

Pittsburgh casino plan clears hurdle
As reported by The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - "Majestic Star Casino won approval for its development plan Tuesday after city officials required it to meet conditions designed to appease the Steelers, Pirates and Carnegie Science Center.

"Pittsburgh's City Planning Commission unanimously approved a conceptual proposal for the North Shore slots parlor, but only after its members attached 16 conditions concerning traffic and parking.

"They asked the city's traffic analyst to consider two proposals by the science center related to access and pedestrian crossings.

"...State gambling regulators awarded a slots license to Majestic Star in December, but two losing bidders appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court, which has not yet ruled. Majestic Star has said it would seek to open the $450 million casino within 14 months of receiving the license.

"...Representatives of the science center, Steelers and Pirates reiterated their concerns yesterday about potential traffic congestion from gamblers..."

Harry Connick, Jr.

Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Conn.: Over the past two decades, Harry Connick, Jr. has proven to be among the world's most successful and multi-talented artists. Connick first reached a mass audience as a pianist, singer and bandleader, securing his place in the public eye as a renaissance man and versatile entertainer.

Join Harry for one special night in the intimate Fox Theatre.

Date: June 15
Time: 9 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
$75 and $125
Ticket office: 1-800-200-2882

For more information: Official Web site

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