Kahnawake Issues Final Report on Online Poker ScandalRuss Hamilton 'Primarily Responsible'; 31 Additional Names Reportedly Given to Law Enforcement |
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Twenty months after the UltimateBet cheating scandal first began to break, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission released its final decision regarding the incident on Friday afternoon.
“In total, the Commission’s investigation revealed 23 accounts that had a total of 117 usernames that were used by the responsible individual(s) to facilitate the cheating incidents,” the report stated. “The incidences of cheating began in June 2003 and continued until December 2007.”
As for the individuals involved in the scandal, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission wrote:
“As stated in the Commission’s September 29, 2008 public statement, the available evidence shows that Russell Hamilton, an individual previously associated with eWorld Holdings Group, was primarily responsible for and benefited from the multiple cheating incidences. The vast majority of the computer devices and IP addresses used by the cheating accounts were directly associated with Russell Hamilton. The vast majority of the cheating accounts transferred money through Russell Hamilton’s player accounts.
“The individuals who transferred money, changed usernames or withdrew money from accounts, all had ties to the eWorld Holdings Group and/or Russell Hamilton. The beneficiaries of these transfers and withdrawals were either Russell Hamilton or individuals who worked directly with Russell Hamilton or the eWorld Holdings group.”
The report listed all of the usernames involved, but none of the actual names of any individuals other than Hamilton. It did state that “the Commission has provided extensive information to law enforcement authorities, including the names of 31 individuals who were associated, to varying degrees, with Russell Hamilton, the cheating accounts and/or transactions related to the cheating accounts.”
The report did not identify which specific law enforcement authorities it notified.
The Commission stated that it has fined Tokwiro Enterprises ENRG, the owner of UltimateBet, $1.5 million and that it directed the company to reimburse over $22 million to UB players who were affected in the controversy. Both amounts have been paid in full.
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission also issued a report following the Absolute Poker scandal.
The Commission concluded that with revamped security measures and corrective actions, “Tokwiro has provided sufficient evidence to justify the continuation of its license to operate, subject to a number of additional conditions of licensure.”
The entire 11-page report can be read on Kahnawake’s website (PDF).
“This decision concludes the most difficult, lengthy and complex investigation the Commission has ever undertaken,” the report stated. “Despite the unfortunate circumstances that gave rise to this matter, the Commission is satisfied that an equitable result was achieved for UB players.”
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