All bets off for accused

A MAN charged with exploiting a corporate bookmaker for more than $100,000 was allegedly caught on the Gold Coast with 17 mobile phones.

Victorian man Oliver Watts, 23, was last week charged with dealing with property reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

The Queensland Racing Crime Squad allege Watts exploited a betting company promotion which provided cash refunds for losing win bets when a horse placed second or third, with the returns paid in betting credits.

Police said they recovered about $18,000 in cash, over $90,000 in betting credits, devices and bank cards from Watts’ car and hotel room.

Watts faced the Southport Magistrates Court on Saturday after his arrest in Surfers Paradise. The court was told Watts was found with 17 mobile phones. His defence lawyer Rijald Hadzalic said the money could substantially be accounted for.

Watts was granted bail on the condition he pay a $20,000 surety. Conditions also included that he must not gamble on his mobile phone or on the internet, nor enter any establishment where gambling is permitted.

The matter is due for mention on November 5.

In a statement yesterday, Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said the case highlighted the close working relationship between corporate bookmakers and the commission.

“The sharing of information associated with illegal betting activity is beneficial to the ommission, the corporate bookmaker and to the betting public who follow the rules,” he said.