Bodog.com seized

Bodog.com has become the latest site to feel the long arm of the law in the US after the Department of Homeland Security seized the domain name on February 27.

The site, which has not been operating commercially for several months, was shut down by authorities chasing more than $100 million in funds.

Four Canadian’s associated with the site, including founder Calvin Ayre, have been indicted, and according to authorities, users of the site were sent at least $100 million by wire and cheques from 2005 to 2012. The site allegedly moved funds from Bodog’s accounts located in Switzerland, England, Malta, Canada and elsewhere to pay winnings to its users.

Each of the four men indicted face up to five years in prison for conducting an illegal gambling business and 20 years for money laundering, while Bodog.com faces a possible fine of up to $500,000 for gambling and money laundering.

‘The BodogBrand became aware late on 27th February that the domain Bodog.com had been seized by US Homeland Security. This domain is not currently in use by the BodogBrand or any Brand Licensee and has not been in use since the Morris Mohawk Gaming Group (MMGG) switched its operations from Bodog.com to Bodog.eu in May 2011,’ BodogBrand confirmed via email this week.

‘The BodogBrand.com revoked its licensing agreement with Morris Mohawk Gaming Group (MMGG) on December 15th 2011 after publicly stating it would do so in July 2011. It is equally important to state that Bodog UK, Bodog Europe and Bodog Asia have never taken bets from the US.’

The site is said to be ‘consulting with its legal advisors with a view to having the domain returned.’

But while the outlook looks bleak for Bodog and its users, the Bodog.co.uk and Bodog.eu have been unaffected by the Department of Homeland Security’s actions.

PokerPlayer will bring you more news on Bodog as and when we have it.