Vegas Runner, Nick Sarillo, and Jay Cohen are among those featured on the CNBC show, "CNBC Investigates: The Big Business of Illegal Gambling". It's the second time in about a month that a major cable network has focused on how gambling has gone mainstream. ESPN's "20 on 20" did a balanced if not hokey feature on Jimmy the Greek Snyder.
Sarillo is a restaurant owner who also earns a dollar as a bookmaker, but runs into the Mob and pays a heavy price. Jay Cohen is a pioneer with offshore sportsbooks, and Vegas-Runner is a sports handicapper brand that claims to be a professional gambler.
The show also focuses on the fight to end the ban on gambling. Virginia Congressman Bob Goodlatte voices the draconian anti-rights view, while
Goodlate goes in a bumper sticker rant essentially absolving problem gamblers for their actions. Brian Kayma of ScoresOddsPicks.com says, "McDermott might as well say that actions have no consequences. Does he also believe credit card companies should be held responsible for those who purchase more than they can afford?"
"Paul" is presented as an illegal bookmaker, though based on what he says he an agent for an offshore book.
Melissa Francis is the CNBC reporter who conducts the piece. The show airs Wednesday, December 16th at
