Illegal fantasy NFL pool uncovered by Winnipeg police
Man arrested in connection with Ultimatefootballpool.net operation, which was not licensed
A 46-year-old Winnipeg man faces a charge of pool-selling after police uncovered an illegal fantasy NFL football pool that allegedly netted a $10,000 profit for its operator while leaving some people without a payout.
The Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Authority launched an investigation on Sept. 4 into the pool, which invited players to bet on the outcomes of NFL games.
Police confirmed that the pool in question is Ultimatefootballpool.net, which accepted entries through the website or in person at six bars and lounges across the city.
The names or nicknames of hundreds of people are listed on the website. According to its rules, the cost was $10 per entry, per week.
Const. Jason Michalyshen says the operation is not licensed.
"Individuals would not get licences, only charitable organizations. Certain criteria would need to be met in order for you to obtain a licence for this type of gaming," he told reporters on Monday.
Staff with some of the businesses that were named on Ultimatefootballpool.net's website told CBC News they only agreed to be drop-off locations as a way to attract customers, and they had no idea the operator was profiting from the pool.
Some participants not paid
The Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Authority's investigation was forwarded to the police service's counter-exploitation unit, which found that about 500 people were placing wagers through the online pool every week.
Michalyshen said what makes the website different from football pools between friends is the large number of people involved.
The Ultimatefootballpool.net website states that the year-end payout was $6,473 for the winner last year, with $3,236 paid for the second-place finisher and $1,079 for third place.
As well, a number of people complained that they were not paid out, he said.
The man was arrested on Feb. 3 — two days after the Super Bowl — and released on a promise to appear in court.
The man told CBC News he has no comment, as the matter is in the hands of his lawyer.
Some of the participants told CBC News they were aware that the operator was taking a 10 per cent management fee, adding that the operator did a lot of work and had a lot of costs associated with running the website.
The participants said they would happily continue playing bets in the pool.
Meanwhile, police are warning the public to be aware when they place bets on websites such as this one, they may never see a payout.
"Is that $10 bet going to a legitimate source who will, without a doubt, pay out appropriately?" Michalyshen said.