Kaplan In Court
Published: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Online-Casinos.com
KAPLAN IN COURT
Betonsports founder pleads not guilty to racketeering and other charges
Gary Stephen Kaplan, the founder of besieged Betonsports.com online gambling group who was arrested in Dominica last month on a slew of alleged US crimes and extradited back to America, appeared in court this week.
Kaplan had been sought by the FBI for some eight months (see previous Online-Casinos.com/InfoPowa report) following the arrest of the company's CEO, David Carruthers and others triggered a Department of Justice action that has brought the company to its knees. Carruthers, a British subject, remains under house arrest in St. Louis and still awaits trial on charges he has strongly denied.
Reuters reports that Kaplan appeared before Judge Mary Ann Medler of the U.S. District Court and entered a plea of not guilty.
She ordered him to remain in custody pending a May 25 detention hearing that may determine if he can be released on bond.
Kaplan was indicted in June of 2006 by a federal grand jury in Missouri which accused him and 10 others of engaging in racketeering, conspiracy and fraud arising from the operation of Costa Rica-based Internet gambling businesses.
Betonsports, which once traded on the London Stock Exchange, was forced in August 2006 to close down its U.S. business which accounted for 95 percent of its profits. It has since intimated that it is likely to go into liquidation, with its Antiguan subsidiary left to pay off US players.
An old favorite brought back under a new software brand, U.S. friendly.
Use just one account to access poker, sports book and casino gaming.
Excellent number of high-quality games and great support.
Nice sign-up and on-going bonuses with fast cash withdrawal processing.
Good selection of fun games including some new, innovative games on offer.
Huge sign-up bonus with reasonable wagering requirements and an excellent look and feel.
New players receive an insane 200% bonus up to $1000 free on both their first and second deposit.
New players offered up to $888 free in sign up bonuses, a special bonus available for blackjack players as well.
