5Dimes, the Costa Rican-based online casino, has recently received attention from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which guards the country against security threats like terrorism, and cybercrime. It is believed that instances of money laundering have taken place at this online casino, as a result of the use of Amazon gift cards. If this is, indeed, the case, this news could very well shut the operation down. As of now the site is still live.
In an effort to move forward with the process, the DHS has put in a request for the seizure of those Amazon accounts believed to have been associated with the illegal activity. The casino, which accepts US players, is suspected of taking part in influencing such players toward buying the Amazon gift cards to fuel their player accounts. This action is believed to have been prompted in order to bypass the terms regarding the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), despite the fact that the site is not licensed to accept, or market gambling services to American customers. The purpose of the act is to keep US players from online gambling, aside from select legalized operations in some states.
According to the court filing, “The investigation has determined that 5Dimes has developed an alternative to the traditional online financial payment methods, which is unavailable to 5Dimes under federal law, in order to operate its illegal betting operation in the US. This illegal alternative relies on the use of [Amazon gift cards], in violation of Amazon’s terms of service.”
Online forums and message boards reveal that players were directed to purchase gift cards, while also supplying photos, in order to fund their accounts. Furthermore, certain payouts through Amazon accounts were used as an incentive.
UPDATE:
Ipoopedmydraws
7 years ago
Well said wayne well said
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waynemasters
7 years ago
Leave it to the outstanding United States government to call something like this out. What is unquestionably one of the most corrupt governments in the World, I find it pathetic for this type of action to be taken. To think of all of the corruption in Washington, it all boils down to one thing - they want their cut - a...
Leave it to the outstanding United States government to call something like this out. What is unquestionably one of the most corrupt governments in the World, I find it pathetic for this type of action to be taken. To think of all of the corruption in Washington, it all boils down to one thing - they want their cut - a cut that they do NOT deserve. This industry should remain private, for players, by players, with minimal government involvement.
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JennaROX
8 years ago
Oh I know about some shadier shit then this... there is a lot of crazy corruption online. I just wish I were one of the lucky few that were in on these schemes in the beginning... they are long gone now, counting their money! ;)
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nirvana
8 years ago
one word... WOWzers!
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leannep
8 years ago
This is definitely one of the wierdest online contraption of a scam I've ever heard. I have watched out for gamble-related scams and schemes for a long time, and I believe I have seen none. Zero. Just how "easily directed" ARE these so-called "American online gambling law-breakers"...?!? I smell a paid rat.
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cheetahwind
8 years ago
It would seem as if Amazon has been used to facilitate a lot of different financial transactions. From funding online gaming accounts to buying BTC and other things. Mainly because gift cards are anonymous for the most part if bought in cash versus debit/credit card or check. Yet if your encouraging players to go buy them,...
It would seem as if Amazon has been used to facilitate a lot of different financial transactions. From funding online gaming accounts to buying BTC and other things. Mainly because gift cards are anonymous for the most part if bought in cash versus debit/credit card or check. Yet if your encouraging players to go buy them, especially on a site like 5Dimes. It was only a matter of time before they were caught. On top if I couldn't imagine 5Dimes was making a crap ton off of these cards anyways. Mainly because you can only buy physical merchandise from Amazon with these cards anyways. I could imagine the fact that how much was going into these Amazon account probably set off some flags.
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