Computer Geek Fined for Role in $103M Illegal Hell's Angels Betting Ring
- Gordon Baird of London, Ontario pleaded guilty to bookmaking tied to massive gambling ring Platinum Sports
- Gambling ring allegedly had ties to organized crime and the Hell’s Angels
- RCMP officers took part in a 2013 raid of a Super Bowl party thrown by Platinum Sports in effort to shut operation down
- Police also intercepted $1.3 million in cash belonging to Hell’s Angels
A computer geek with alleged ties to the motorcycle gang, the Hell’s Angels, will have to pay a $400,000 fine for his involvement in a massive $103 million illegal gambling ring.
Gordon Baird, 59, of London, Ontario, pleaded guilty to bookmaking and contributing to the activities of a criminal organization.
Baird worked for Platinum Sports, which authorities claim was a “sophisticated, organized pyramid structure” with ties to organized crime in addition to the Hell’s Angels.
In February 2013, more than 400 RCMP officers raided a Super Bowl party Sunday in Ontario held by the Costa Rica-based sportsbook. Six attendees were arrested at the tie.
The RCMP also seized the Platinum Sports domain name and intercepted a backpack filled with $1.3 million cash enroute to Vancouver believed to belong to the Hells Angels.
The RCMP also claims that Platinum Sports higher-ups engaged in making violent threats.
Baird was handed an 18-month conditional, stay-at-home sentence and 12 months probation.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
