Four Charged in Utica, USA for Promoting Online Sports Betting

Posted: December 6, 2010

Updated: October 4, 2017

After an extensive 21 month investigation, New York State Police arrested and charged four residents of Utica, New York

After an extensive 21 month investigation, New York State Police arrested and charged four residents of Utica, New York with multiple counts of ‘promotion of gambling.’ According to the incitement, the alleged ‘ring leader’, Richard Dorsagno, Sr., 56, entered into a ‘private label’ agreement with a foreign based online sportsbook. This arrangement allowed Mr. Dorsagno Sr. to personalize the look and feel of the sports betting site to reflect the defendant’s taste and style.

Mr. Darsagno allegedly profited by receiving a commission from any losses experienced by ‘his’ customers. It is alleged that Mr. Darsagno Sr, recruited John Swift, 42; Richard Dorsagno Jr., 35; and Susan Dorsagno 56, worked on a commission basis, signing up gamblers who frequented Dorsagno Sr.’s sports bar.

Police confiscated $220,000 in cash along with computers, documents, two vehicles, and evidence of profits from a large unlicensed internet sport book. Police describe the defendants as internet savvy ‘bookies’ who promoted the site, signing up gamblers and assisting with navigating Mr. Darsagno Sr.’s illegal sportsbook website. All gamblers were shown how to use the website software to bet on sports in the US, how to locate game spreads and how to place wagers on professional and college sport games.

New York State is the origin of the toughest American gambling laws under which all four defendants are charged. These hundred year old laws were originally drafted to combat the rise of organized crime in the early years of the previous century.

Richard Dorsagno Sr. was charged with 17 felony counts of Promoting Gambling in the 1st Degree. John Swift was charged with 14 felony counts of Promoting Gambling in the 1st Degree. Richard Dorsagno Jr. was charged with 3 misdemeanor counts of Promoting Gambling in the 2nd Degree. Susan Dorsagno was charged with 2 misdemeanor counts of Promoting Gambling in the 2nd Degree. Mr. Dorsagno Sr. will be incarcerated for over 20 years if convicted of all charges.