PartyGaming, Dikshit nearing settlement with US DOJ

[The Buzz]

PartyGaming and co-founder Anurag Dikshit are nearing settlements with the US Department of Justice for, the Justice Department says, illegally accepting internet gambling wagers from US citizens.

The Times Online is reporting that Dikshit will agree to a settlement in the range of $300 million, while PartyGaming's liability is likely to be much lower than that.

I find this a bit surprising, considering the Bush administration has just over a month left in office, and indications are that Obama's administration may not be focused so heavily on prosecuting Internet gambling cases. But perhaps this is a way for Party to look like it has "paid its dues?"

Full story here ... http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle5349798.ece

[Anthony]

I like this blogger's take on it.

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/1...illion-to-u-s/

[joeyl]

Partypoker & crew are not my cup of tea, so it's a little bit like kharma.

[The Buzz]

Dikshit entered his guilty plea yesterday. Bloomberg's story on the plea can be found here ... http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...gaDlQ&refer=uk

“I came to believe it was in fact illegal under U.S. law,” Dikshit told U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in New York, referring to PartyGaming’s activity. “I have taken full responsibility for my actions.”

[Ziggy]

"I came to believe . . "

Does he really think we believe that he was "born again" and saw the light?

I personally have very differing issues with the Wire Act and its erroneous, IMO, application to online gaming. No need to rehash the issue again. I have written enough on the topic elsewhere.

Be that as it may, remember this date 1-20-09 = Bush's last day in office.

May the shoes go with him,