Las Vegas Crime News Roundup: Attacker of Judge Faces Up To 65 Years in Prison

Deobra Redden will be spending as much as 65 years behind bars for jumping over a Las Vegas court bench and repeatedly assaulting a judge.

Deobra Redden
Deobra Redden, pictured above. He was sentenced to prison for decades. (Image: KTNV)

Redden, 31, of Las Vegas, was sentenced this week for between 26 and 65 years, his attorney, Carl Arnold, a Nevada criminal defense lawyer, revealed on Wednesday.

He explained that Redden pleaded “guilty but mentally ill” to attempted murder and five other counts, NBC News reported. Some of the other charges included: battery of a protected person age 60 or older resulting in substantial bodily harm, intimidating a public officer, and battery by a prisoner.

Initially, he was indicted on nine charges. Earlier this year, Redden pled not guilty and later was placed on trial. But his trial ended when he agreed to the plea bargain.

The agreement between the two legal teams “reflects a delicate balance between accepting responsibility for a regrettable incident and recognizing the impact of Mr. Redden’s untreated mental illness at the time,” Arnold said.

The incident took place on January 3 when Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus announced at the Regional Justice Center that she was sending him to prison on a prior attempted battery charge. He suddenly hurled obscenities and leaped at Holthus while she was seated on the bench.

She required medical attention for her injuries. Other officials in the courtroom at the time also suffered injuries when they tried to restrain Redden.

During the recent trial, Arnold revealed that Redden failed to take a schizophrenia medication the day of the attack.

The judge who sentenced Redden was Susan Johnson.

Man Faces Trial for Allegedly Stabbing Woman

A man is heading to court after he was accused of slashing a woman last month at a Downtown Las Vegas motel.

Ryan Heider was charged with attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon, first-degree kidnapping with the use of a deadly weapon, and battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

The victim attempted to flee from the unnamed Fremont Street motel room, but Heider stopped her, police said. He then repeatedly stabbed her, police added.

Later, he was arrested for the November 22 knifing when he was located at a parking lot of a Sahara Avenue car dealership.

When speaking with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers, the victim admitted she provided the suspect sex in exchange for money, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

She was stabbed in the back and stomach. Her injuries were described by police as “life threatening.”

LVMPD Officer Killed on I-15

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer, identified as Colton Pulsipher, was fatally injured following a Thursday morning crash on I-15 in Nevada.

The other driver was heading the wrong way on the freeway’s northbound lanes near the Valley of Fire State Park, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

Pulsipher, 29, was off-duty at the time. He had just completed a shift and was driving his personal vehicle when the collision took place at about 12:30 a.m.

Another man also died from the collision. A woman was injured but is expected to survive. One of these other two people was the wrong-way driver, according to news reports.

Their identities weren’t immediately released.

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Polymarket Faces Regulatory Block in France Over Illegal Gambling Concerns

French-regulator-blocks-crypto-predictions-operator-PolymarketFrance’s gambling regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has imposed a geo-block on Polymarket.com, a crypto-based prediction market platform, over allegations of illegal gambling. The platform, operated by Web3 developer Adventure One QSS and licensed in Panama, has been restricted from serving users in France since November 21, 2024.

Illegal Games of Chance in Focus

ANJ monitored Polymarket throughout November, identifying concerns over its offerings, including online games of chance such as slots, which remain prohibited under French law. These activities prompted ANJ to contact Adventure One QSS, leading to the implementation of geoblocking measures to restrict access for French users.

French residents attempting to access Polymarket now encounter a pop-up message explaining the restriction. Despite this, reports indicate that users have managed to bypass the block by using virtual private networks (VPNs), raising concerns about the effectiveness of such measures.

In addition to gambling violations, Polymarket’s prediction markets—where users trade shares on event outcomes—have drawn scrutiny for potential insider trading. A particularly notable case involved a French trader, known as “Theo,” who allegedly placed bets between $28 million and $40 million on Donald Trump winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The volume of these bets sparked fears of market manipulation and heightened regulatory focus on the platform.

Broader Issues with Polymarket

Polymarket has faced similar legal challenges outside France. In 2022, the platform was fined $1.4 million by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for operating without proper registration. Trading was temporarily halted following the penalty.

As of now, the ANJ has added Polymarket to its growing blacklist of over 944 URLs that violate French gambling laws. The regulator warns users about the risks of playing on unlicensed platforms, including potential identity theft, fraud, and non-payment of winnings.

“In general, the ANJ would like to warn people who play on illegal sites because they are exposing themselves to particularly serious risks,” the regulator said in a statement. It also advises players to consult its official list of licensed operators to ensure they are gambling legally.

Future of Online Slots in France

The Polymarket case arises at a time when France is reevaluating its stance on online gambling. In October 2024, the French government proposed an amendment to its 2025 budget, aiming to legalize online casino games, including slots. This move, supported by Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, is set to undergo a six-month consultation in 2025.

While new legislation may take years to materialize, the consultation could pave the way for regulated online slots to launch by 2026. For now, ANJ remains firm in its enforcement of existing gambling laws, as demonstrated by its actions against Polymarket.

Challenges for Crypto-Based Platforms

Polymarket’s case highlights the difficulties crypto-based prediction platforms face in navigating regulatory landscapes. These platforms operate at the intersection of gambling, blockchain, and financial markets, often attracting scrutiny from multiple jurisdictions.

As Polymarket works to address compliance concerns in France, the broader question of how regulators manage crypto prediction markets remains unresolved. The platform’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders and adjustments to its offerings may shape its ability to operate within legal frameworks moving forward.

Source:

French regulator blocks crypto operator Polymarket“, igamingbusiness.com, December 2, 2024.

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Brazil Faces Legal Battles Over Betting Sites List and Crackdown on Unlicensed Operators

Operators-left-off-SPA-approved-list-initiate-lawsuits-against-the-regulatorBrazil is dealing with a wave of legal action from betting companies following the release of an approved list of operators allowed to continue operating in the country. This list, published by the country’s Department of Prizes and Betting (SPA) in early October, features 96 companies, along with 210 affiliated brands, eligible to operate between October 1 and December 31, 2024. However, several companies excluded from the list have filed lawsuits against the Ministry of Finance, sparking controversy over the approval process.

SPA’s Crackdown on Illegal Betting Sites

The creation of the approved list was prompted by increased pressure from both the industry and the government to regulate the market ahead of Brazil’s licensed gambling market launch, set for January 1, 2025. The government is determined to crack down on illegal betting operators in the meantime. As part of this effort, the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) was tasked with blocking 2,040 websites deemed illegal, including prominent names such as Betfred and BoyleSports.

While the approved list allows licensed operators to continue functioning, companies not on the list must cease operations until they obtain federal authorization. This restriction has led to significant backlash from several betting operators, with at least eight lawsuits filed in the federal courts.

Lawsuits from Excluded Operators

One of the prominent lawsuits comes from Zeroumbet, a betting platform owned by lawyer and social media influencer Deolane Bezerra. The company submitted its federal betting license application on August 20, 2024, but was left off the approved list due to an ongoing federal investigation into illegal gambling and money laundering. The investigation, known as ‘Operation Integration,’ is centered on Bezerra, arrested twice in September. However, Zeroumbet’s legal team argues that the investigation should target Bezerra as an individual and not impact the company’s operations. “In this case, the one who would be punished would be Deolane Bezerra and not the company,” the lawsuit contends.

In response to the lawsuit, the SPA maintained that Zeroumbet was excluded to protect public interest and ensure the integrity of bettors, given the ongoing investigation. Zeroumbet is seeking a court ruling to allow the company to resume operations despite the investigation, which could have significant financial and reputational implications for the platform.

State-Level Authorizations and Federal Disputes

Other operators, such as Esportes da Sorte, have taken a different route to stay in the market. Although Esportes da Sorte was also excluded from the SPA’s approved list, the company secured authorization from Rio de Janeiro’s state lottery regulator, Loterj, by acquiring controlling shares in the Loterj-licensed company ST Soft. This allowed the company to continue offering betting services at the state level, despite its exclusion from the federal list.

However, Rio’s stance has drawn criticism from the federal government, challenging the legality of allowing Loterj-accredited betting sites to operate nationwide. The federal government has taken the issue to Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF), arguing that state-level licenses should not bypass federal regulations.

Wider Implications for the Lula Government

The Lula administration is facing significant pressure as it seeks to regulate Brazil’s gambling market. Betting has been legal in Brazil since 2018, but until recently, there was no regulation in place for operators. The government began implementing rules last year with the goal of collecting taxes and ensuring compliance. Despite these efforts, the Ministry of Finance has already faced a series of lawsuits, and more legal challenges are expected as excluded companies continue to contest the SPA’s decisions.

For companies like Sportvip Group International Apostas, the legal battle is seen as crucial to their financial survival. The company recently had its preliminary injunction request denied, but the court is still considering the full case. Sportvip, like many others, argues that being left off the list could result in “incalculable financial and reputational losses.”

The controversy has also been fueled by revelations from a Central Bank report, which indicated that people covered by Brazil’s social welfare program, Bolsa Família, transferred R$3 billion to betting platforms in August alone through the Pix payment system. This discovery has intensified scrutiny of the industry, particularly regarding unregulated platforms operating in the country.

As the lawsuits progress, the Brazilian government’s efforts to regulate the market and safeguard public interest will continue to face challenges from operators pushing for inclusion in the newly regulated space.

Source:

Governo Já Enfrenta Ações Sobre Lista de Bets e Empresa de Deolane Tenta Liberação, jornaldebrasilia.com.br, October 16, 2024.

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Nebraska’s Online Sports Betting Expansion Faces Opposition

Nebraska-leaders-voice-opposition-to-online-sports-betting-expansionIn Nebraska, the conversation about expanding online sports betting has reached a critical juncture, as notable state figures, including former football coach Tom Osborne, articulate their opposition. This discussion aligns with the state’s contemplation of two constitutional amendments that would permit voters to decide on online mobile sports wagering in the upcoming November ballot.

Voices of Concern Against Online Betting

Osborne, along with other prominent figures such as former Governor Kay Orr, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, and State Auditor Mike Foley, has publicly expressed concerns regarding the potential social costs of expanding gambling. In a collective statement, they cautioned lawmakers about the economic and social repercussions, particularly highlighting the risks of increased gambling addiction among the youth. “I see this being very dangerous, particularly for young people,” Osborne stated, asserting, “I can guarantee you there will be increased addiction and increased costs.”

Economic Arguments for Expansion

Contrasting Osborne’s apprehensions, State Senator Eliot Bostar advocates for the expansion, arguing that Nebraska is forfeiting significant revenue to neighboring states, notably Iowa. Bostar, who introduced the constitutional amendment LR 3, claims that Nebraska is losing approximately $32 million annually. He proposes that this money could instead be utilized to reduce property taxes within the state. “Nebraska is giving them a tremendous amount of money. I think we should keep that. I think we should use that money to lower property taxes,” Bostar emphasized.

A recent industry-conducted poll supports Bostar’s position, indicating that 65% of respondents favor online sports wagering if the generated revenue aids in property tax relief. Lance Morgan of Ho-Chunk noted, “This is new tax revenue. It’s not a shift. Although we’re shifting from Iowa which is going to lose $100 million.”

Technical Insights and Public Sentiment

Supporting the economic argument, Danny DiRienzo from GeoComply shared data reflecting half a million bets placed just across the border in Iowa, likely by Nebraskans. This statistic underscores the prevalence of cross-border betting and the potential retention of these funds within Nebraska if online betting were legalized.

Governor Jim Pillen has suggested that the decision on online sports betting should be left to voters, although he acknowledges the concerns raised by his former coach and other opposition figures. “Promoting online sports betting will not result in a net benefit in Nebraska taxpayers,” Osborne concluded.

Legislative and Public Debate Continues

As Nebraska lawmakers continue to debate the proposed legislation during special sessions focused on reducing state property taxes, the outcome remains uncertain. No definitive actions were taken during the recent hearings, but the dialogue reflects a significant divide between economic benefits and social risks associated with online sports betting.

Whether Nebraska will join the growing number of states embracing online sports betting or heed the cautionary advice of its notable figures is yet to be seen. The decision will likely resonate far beyond the November ballot, shaping the state’s economic landscape and social policies.

Source:

Nebraska leaders voice opposition to online sports betting expansion, ketv.com, August 1, 2024.

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Churchill Downs HHR Facility Planned for Virginia’s Henrico County Faces Criticism

Churchill Downs Inc. is moving forward with opening a gaming venue in Virginia’s Henrico County where historical horse racing (HHR) machines will operate. The project has generated criticism from a local county official.

Churchill Downs Henrico Gaming Virginia
A rendering of Henrico Gaming, a planned historical horse racing gaming venue in Virginia from Churchill Downs, Inc. A local official has criticized the Richmond gaming project for seemingly trying to evade a newly implemented zoning ordinance. (Image: Churchill Downs, Inc.)

Kentucky-based Churchill Downs acquired the Colonial Downs Racetrack, six Rosie’s Gaming Emporium HHR facilities, and five additional HHR opportunities across the commonwealth through its 2022 acquisition of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E). Churchill filed plans on June 18 to renovate a former furniture and mattress store located in the Staples Mill Shopping Center in Richmond into a business called Henrico Gaming.

Henrico Gaming, per the project’s application made with Henrico County, seeks to place 175 HHR machines inside the 25,000-square-foot facility that’s between a Virginia ABC liquor store and a Subway restaurant.

The shopping center, located at Staples Mill Rd. and Glenside Dr., is zoned to allow pari-mutuel wagering, which HHR machines are classified as, but county officials are working to alter the approval process for such gaming by updating zoning rules.

Zoning Ordinance 

The Staples Mill Shopping Center is located within a business district zoned as “B-2.” According to the Henrico County government website, such a business district is intended to provide office space, retail shopping, restaurants, gas stations, and live/work dwellings.

A B-2 zone additionally allows for a company possessing a parimutuel or HHR wagering license to operate such a business. Under Henrico’s current zoning rules, an HHR venue can house up to 175 machines without needing to apply and acquire a provisional-use permit (PUP) from the county.

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors in May initiated proceedings to advance an ordinance that would require a PUP to be obtained for any HHR business within the county regardless of the number of machines. The county supervisors approved the rule change during their June 15 meeting, seven days after Churchill submitted its application for Henrico Gaming.

Supervisor Upset

Following the supervisors’ vote, HHR developments of any number of gaming positions must now underdog a PUP public hearing. However, since the bid was submitted before the ordinance was endorsed by the county supervisors, the Churchill Downs project under county law will be grandfathered from the PUP condition.

Henrico County Supervisor Dan Schmitt, who represents Henrico’s Brookland District where Churchill is planning Henrico Gaming, says the company purposely applied ahead of the zoning change in a move that shows it isn’t committed to being an upstanding community partner. Schmitt said Churchill was trying “to jam this business into the location” before the PUP ordinance was enacted.

These folks of this county weigh in during PUP processes on far less intrusive items, including the hours a store can operate,” Schmitt said during the county supervisors’ meeting earlier this month. “The residents I represent deserve the right to weigh in if there’s going to be a gambling establishment in their neighborhood.”

Schmitt urged Churchill to rescind its application and reapply under the new PUP rules.

“The applicant has the opportunity to show their awareness of what it takes to be a trusted community partner and participate in the public process,” Schmitt declared.

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