A Las Vegas gambler accused of running an illegal sportsbook operation was secretly recorded by a law enforcement source who was paid thousands for the undercover work, according to newly unsealed court records.
Details of the payment to witness Pietro Ventrella during a Gaming Control Board and FBI investigation are detailed in grand jury transcripts in the case of gambler William West Roberts, 57.
Roberts is accused by the the board of operating an illegal bookmaking operation involving about $8 million in bets at Nevada sportsbooks and an offshore website based in Costa Rica.
Roberts was indicted on charges of felony operating a gaming establishment without a license, unlawful receipt of compensation for accepting bets or wagers without required gaming license, attempting to launder money, and accepting unlawful wagers.
