Online Gambling's New York Media Blitz

The Panama based online gambling site, BetOnLine is keeping the news media busy these days. Speculation is running rampant that anyone connected to the company is involved with the “mob.” It is possible that the indictments and subsequent arrests of several individuals connected with the firm are fuelling those impressions in the New York Media.

Joseph Fafone, arrested while trying to fly out of Rochester recently, has maintained close ties with many other bookmakers and is considered well liked by associates in the online gambling industry.

District Attorney for Queen's New York, Richard Brown was pleased with the progress in capturing online gambling executives who try to move in or out of the USA. Brown said that the arrests were a win against illegal online gambling. Brown in his statement on online gambling said, "It's highly addicting and easy to get hooked on," adding, "In this case, I believe that we will make a significant dent in the illegal gambling nationwide."

Fafone, set up his operation in Costa Rica in 2000 as a means of "operating lawfully". "I got tired of having my door busted in by the police all the time," Fafone told web site Gambling911.

Originally named Best Line Sports, BetOnLine.com brought marketing to the mix with partners who knew that aspect of the business. The company was one of the first online gambling businesses to begin operations in Panama City, Panama where regulations have been in place for quite some time. Some insiders feel that the media in New York has painted a picture of Fafone as a "crime" boss linked to a well known family of gangsters. People who know Joe Fafone think he is a nice person who is soft spoken and a gentleman with a good reputation in the online gambling industry.

Hand delivering a large sum of cash to a client in a New York Hotel is thought to be the reported deed that officials in the State used to arrest Fafone.