Legal Question in Technology Law in Missouri

Online gambling

A friend recently went to an online gambling site and used their online check processor to run up a bill of $2k. He did not have the money to cover this in his bank, so he went to his bank and put a stop-pay on the e-checks and later closed the account. He received an email from the gambling site regarding this transaction in which they said it was fraud and he needed to contact them. He still does not have the money to pay them, so he has not contacted them. It is illegal to gamble online in missouri, so I am unsure of what to tell him regarding his rights and what heneeds to do. Can he be charged criminally? Can they come after him for the money? Please advise.


Asked on 7/29/07, 1:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Online gambling

It is unlawful to engage in conduct that is fraudulent. Your friend probably committed wire fraud in this transaction. The bank, the gaming company, and the local prosecutor might all be interested in what he did. Whether he will be prosecuted or not is likely a function of how interested the gaming site is in getting its money back.

Your friend should contact an attorney and try to figure out what the best way is to avoid severe legal penalties in this situation. An attorney may be able to negotiate with the gaming company and prevent prosecution.

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Answered on 7/30/07, 10:55 am


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