14-07-2007 Mexican gambling group Caliente suspected of money laundering

According to Thoroughbred Times, an investigation into the companies which have expressed an interest to acquire the NYRA franchise, revealed that all the North American applicants have dealings with Hipodromo de Agua Caliente, a Mexican gambling operator which in the past met the opposition of the Nevada Gaming Control Board in three different hearings relative to licensing suitability.

"To the extent that Grupo Caliente may be involved in money laundering, it could easily exploit its status as a licensed bookmaker to launder illicit proceeds through U.S. tracks’ pari-mutuel wagering pools," the report said. "It is a relatively simple matter for a licensed out-of-country bookmaker to partner with an offshore rebate shop with access to pari-mutuel pools in the United States."

Caliente operates racebooks and sports books in Latin America as well as internet betting operations Wettpunkt.com and Caliente.com.mx.