Bookmaker Pleads Guilty: Claims Gambling Debt Tied to NHL Team, Thomas Vanek

A Rochester, New York area bookmaker plead guilty Thursday to laundering $230,000 in monies derived from gambling, a debt his attorney claims was made with a New York Islanders NHL team check.

It was not immediately clear if the check in question was tied directly to Islanders player Thomas Vanek, who has been the subject of the intensive gambling probe. Vanek acknowledges speaking before a grand jury investigating the case in question.  The NHL player, through his attorney, denies any wrongdoing.

As part of his plea, Mark Ruff, 40, admitted helping manage a gambling operation with his brother, Joseph Ruff and another individual, Paul Borelli.  Both men await trial.

Joseph Ruff and Paul Borrelli have been accused of running the multi-dollar sports betting ring out of the Marina Restaurant and Bar in Charlotte, New York.  Offshore websites were used to process wagers while local banks helped facilitate payments.

Both men face up to 25 years behind bars if convicted. 

Vanek is currently playing hockey with the Minnesota Wild. 

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com