http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-884855.mp3
Kansas City, Mo. – A Kansas City North man was charged and pleaded guilty today to operating an illegal gambling operation. 26 year old Michael Badalucco admitted he took bets on sports using a computer server in Costa Rica.
In return for his guilty plea, Badalucco got immunity from testifying against others.
He transferred bets, took in money and paid it out to bettors. The U. S. Attorney says the operation transmitted wagering information between Missouri, Arizona and Costa Rica.
Kansas City police and the FBI ran down the case. Badallucco and other bookmakers used a toll free number or a web site tracing bets and account balances.
The Northland man faces as many as two years in prison and a fine up to a quarter million dollars.