Richard Lee Fined $2.2 Million in Bookmaking Case

Richard Lee, who finished sixth in the 2006 World Series of Poker, has agreed to a plea deal in San Antonio to avoid felony bookmaking charges. The lesser charges are for keeping a place for gambling, and Lee has also agreed to hand over $2.2 million.

RICHARD LEE

Originally born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lee is semi-retired and enjoys playing poker for fun and profit. He competed in the WSOP in 2005, but fell short of the money. That same year, he finished 12th in the 2005 Grand Slam of Poker in L.A. In 2006, he finished 6th in the WSOP and earned $2,803,851.

LONG ARM OF THE LAW

Last year, police raided Lee’s house as part of an investigation into a sports betting website which was pretending to be offshore (unlike Bodog, which actually is offshore). Lee and four employees were arrested, and $2.5 million was seized. Lee was considered by authorities to be the bookie of the operation.

THE AFTERMATH

Lee’s employees also pleaded no contest to the same charge as their boss. They will each pay a fine of $2,100 and be on probation for a month.

According to an Assistant D.A., “In Texas, gambling is a misdemeanor, but when you hit them in the pocketbook, that’s where it hurts. The misdemeanor doesn’t hurt as much as the loss of all the ill-gotten gains.”

Who in the hell actually uses the phrase “ill-gotten gains” in a sentence other than slimy lawyers looking to advance their political career?

And what did Richard Lee have to say for himself?

“I’m glad it’s over,” he said. “Now I need to go win another poker tournament.”

And sure enough, he’s scheduled to leave for Vegas to play in a tournament at Caesars Palace. Knock ‘em dead, Richard.

For more gambling news, check out the following:

Judge Rules That Poker Is Not A Game Of Skill

European Union Demands Money From The U.S.

Richard Lee Fined $2.2 Million in Bookmaking Case