US radio stations pay up for advertising iGaming sites
Three stations in St Louis settle case against them by surrendering funds earned from advertising
Wednesday 29th September 2004
While Casino City may be in the processing of bringing a suit against the US Department of Justice regarding the right to advertise online gambling operations, it has not prevented three St Louis radio stations paying out in a suit against them on this very issue. A settlement has been reached between the US Attorney’s office and the St Louis radio stations, KFNS-AM, KFNA-FM and KFRT-AM. In the settlement, a total payout of US$158,000 was agreed upon, to be paid by the radio stations involved.
The case was brought against the stations, alleging they knowingly promoted offshore online gambling sites and activities between mid-2000 and September 2003. The promotions were carried out in return for payment, and it is those payments which the stations have now agreed to forfeit in the settlement which was reached. As well as the financial arrangement, they also agreed to be helpful in providing evidence in any forthcoming, related investigations.
The radio stations in the centre of this case are owned by companies, Missouri Sports Radio LLC, Simulcast LLC and All Sports Radio LLC. There was no contesting the allegations from any of these companies that they had knowingly advertised currently illegal activities. While the services being advertised were based offshore, online gambling is currently prohibited within the US, and as such advertising any related activities is also being treated as an illegal offence. Currently there is much debate in the US as to whether this prohibited status should continue.
