What we know is that the difference between legal gambling and illegal gambling is what “Caesar” says it is. In the case of the recent arrests of more than 50 persons involved with the “Internet Casino” operations in Florida, the company Allied Veterans of the World, and the persons who run it apparently are charged with not giving enough money to charities and operating as a non-profit organization that enriches its owners.
“Caesar” in this case is the State of Florida and the Federal Government. Despite the fact that there are dozens of these “casinos” now operating in what we assume are “for profit” entities around the state and in “legitimate” veteran’s organizations, Allied is singled out because of the amount of money(in the hundred of millions of dollars) collected and its high profile giving. The Florida Times Union recently published an article recalling the “million dollar day” in which Allied gave out checks to local charities totaling that amount.
Add to this the fact that upon being sued by dog track owners, who run gambling establishments, and winning that lawsuit, Allied continued to operate with impunity. What appeared to be the final hurdle in Allied’s move toward legitimacy were two other legislative factors: the Jacksonville(Florida) City Council voted in 2011 to allow them to continue operations as they are now, and further legislation to kill them or limit their operation continued to be stalled in the Florida Senate and House.
Its almost certain that the operations of Allied will end and the business plan put forth by its owners Jerry Bass, Johnny Duncan, and their corporate Attorney Kelly Mathis, will be proven unsound. There is a great deal of shock and surprise running around the state. But it all amounts to the same thing: gambling.
Caesar endorses: the lottery, lotto, power ball, scratch offs and whatever other names have been attached to it. Jai Lai in south Florida, dog racing, and casinos are everywhere. The difference: they all render unto Caesar.
Comments