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Copyright © 2006 Gambling 911

HEADLINE: Promoters in Snoop Dogg Poker tournament indicted as part of probe

Body:
The promoters of a "cruise ship" poker tournament that never quite made sail have been named in an indictment that threatens to put behemoth online gambling enterprise, BetonSports.com, out of commission.

Hold 'Em Productions had been slated to hold a poker tournament featuring the likes of Snoop Dogg and his Uncle Reno this coming November after two previous dates were cancelled.

The "Rapper's Challenge Texas Hold 'Em Tournament" was originally to take place the day Hurricane Wilma hit South Florida. It was once again postponed after organizers announced the casino ship commissioned for the evening had lost its certification.

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Missouri returned a 22-count indictment charging 11 individuals and four corporations on various charges of racketeering, conspiracy and fraud, the Department of Justice announced today. The indictment was returned on June 1, 2006, and unsealed Monday July 17.

BetonSports PLC, a publicly-traded holding company that owns a number of Internet sportsbooks and casinos, was among the companies charged in the indictment.

The four other corporations are actually tied into one another. These include Direct Mail Expertise, Inc., DME Global Marketing and Fulfillment Inc. and Mobile Promotions Inc. Also charged from these entities were William Hernan Lenis; Monica Lenis and Manny Gustavo Lenis, owners and operators of the Florida companies; and William Hernan Lenis' son, William Luis Lenis.

While Hold "Em Productions is not named in Monday's indictment, Gambling911.com has confirmed that the promotion company is tied in with those individuals named in the indictment.

The indictment alleges among other things that BetonSports founder, Gary Kaplan and Mobile Promotions illegally transported equipment used to place bets and transmit wagering information across state lines and that DME Global Marketing and Fulfillment shipped equipment to Costa Rica from Florida for BetonSports.com.

Further information regarding the original "Rapper's Challenge Texas Hold 'Em Tournament" slated for this coming November has not been made available. None of those named to participate in the ill-fated event are named in any indictments related to the BetonSports.com/DME Mobile "shakedown".

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