Friendly Cop

Published: Thursday, February 09, 2006 Online-Casinos.com

FRIENDLY COP

Good view from a Mounty


The Canadian Press publication showcased some surprise support for online gaming from a member of the Ontario Police illegal gaming enforcement team this week in an article about corruption in sportsbetting.

Quoting Det.-Insp. Stuart McDonald, the journal reported: ' "Bookmaking is still a large problem in Canada," said McDonald, who added he finds it baffling that people still use bookies when there are other less risky options, legal or otherwise, such as online gaming.'

"It may be the ease of just picking up the phone, versus having to go online. There's a familiarity - you don't know who you're dealing with on the other end of an Internet connection," he said.

McDonald went on to reveal that bookies have a strong appeal for pro athletes, who have deep pockets, connections and knowledge of other professional sports leagues - and money to burn among friends.

"These guys are out there socialising and gambling all the time. And they know sports, they love sports, and they think they have insight into it."

Police said the gambling ring linked to NHL players had a connection with organised crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey - no surprise to Canadian authorities. The NHLers did not bet on hockey, authorities in New Jersey said.

"We've done bookmaking investigations on a fairly regular basis in Ontario and most of them are involved in traditional organised crime," said McDonald.