Looks like the DOJ has taken up Calvin Ayre on the challenge he offered on the cover of Forbes "Catch me if you can." The DOJ has recently seized $24 million from bank accounts affiliated with Bodog. I can only assume that Bodog had assets in US banks for the purpose of paying marketing expenses and distributing funds to players so expect a log of bounced Bodog checks in the next few weeks.
I think one of the more interesting aspects of the article is that the DOJ is employing undercover gamblers. I always said this was how the government could uncover the cash flows of online gaming rooms. You ask for a check and then when the check arrives you have all you need to go out and seize the accounts. Same thing for eWallet and other payment processors. All you need is a team of a half a dozen or so people placing bets and asking for cashouts to be able to locate where you need to start issuing subpoenas.
Nat Arem – who I’ve been reading a lot lately – notes that Ayre brought this on himself by challenging the DOJ. I completely agree. You can’t flaunt breaking the law before you wake up some government worker with political aspirations. I’ve always been somewhat surprised that the DOJ hasn’t conducted a major bust in the middle of the WSOP. People like Phil Hellmuth flaunt their association with offshore gaming companies. Annie Duke has recently said in interviews she has an active role at Ultimate Bet. Sooner or later folks like this are going to come on the radar of some bureaucrat.