LEADING OFF: POOLS’ DEEP END

A Winnipeg man has been fined $2,000 for running several unlicensed NFL betting pools that generated huge revenue and appealed to thousands of local sports fans. Stephen Husk, 47, pleaded guilty this week to gaming without a licence and pocketing nearly $10,000 in “financing” fees for his efforts in running four different pools, including one involving the Super Bowl. Court was told Husk advertised the pools in six different Winnipeg sports bars and lounges, and participants would email him to arrange $10 or $20 entry fees and make their selections. Husk was upfront with all the players about his 10-per-cent fee. It’s believed the pools did about $100,000 in business last season. Defence lawyer Chad Schaan told court that the money Husk collected would probably have been an “appropriate” fee for all the time and effort he put into the pools, provided he had obtained the proper Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba licens- ing. But he noted it’s unlikely officials would have approved the application because it was for personal use, not a charity. “At the end of the day, it’s an expensive lesson learned,” Schann said. Crown prosecutor Sean Sass said officials identified at least 8,000 different people who participated last year. Provincial court Judge Wanda Garreck told Husk it’s important existing regulations be followed, even in the often unregulated world of sports betting. “Without licensing and the ability to monitor, there is potential for people to use these fraudulently,” she said. The Canadian Press