Alderney to investigate Pinnacle Sports Europe
Operator has held a licence in the jurisdiction since May this year.
The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) is set to conduct a “special investigation” into Pinnacle Sports Europe after owners of associated company Pinnacle Sports were indicted in the New York borough of Queens this week.
George Molsbarger, Brandt England and Stanley Tomchin – all identified in the indictment as “owners” of the Curacao-licensed operator – were among 25 individuals indicted on charges related to illegal online gambling activities in the United States.
The pinnaclesports.com domain was itself referenced in the indictment, which also mentions three other online gambling sites. Those individuals indicted are accused of various offences including “charges of operating an illegal sports betting enterprise in Queens County and elsewhere”.
Pinnacle Sports Europe is described by the regulator as having “an association” with Pinnacle Sports, and has been the holder of an Alderney egaming licence since May this year.
AGCC executive director André Wilsenach (pictured) said in a statement: “As there is an association between Pinnacle Sports and Pinnacle Sports Europe Limited, AGCC has today commenced a special investigation into Pinnacle Sports Europe Limited to ensure that the licensee is operating in accordance with approved operating procedures.”
The commission has not suspended or revoked the licence of any operator in the jurisdiction since Full Tilt Poker was stripped of three of its four operating licences in September 2011. Full Tilt is due to relaunch under new ownership and under an Isle of Man operating license on 6 November, having been acquired by PokerStars in July.
Update 29 October, 14:40: eGaming Review has today received the following statement from Pinnacle Sports:
“Regarding the recent allegations surrounding the individuals allegedly affiliated with Pinnacle Sports, please be reassured that no Pinnacle Sports employees have been arrested or charged, and Pinnacle Sports itself was not charged in the indictment.
We expect no interruptions to our day to day business activities and will continue to provide our clients the excellent value and service Pinnacle Sports has been known for – Pinnacle Sports.”