888 and Bwin Shares Soar as US Betting Rivals Closed 888 and Bwin shares skyrocket as US wagering rivals closed 18 April 2011 Shares in London-listed online betting firms rose after some huge poker sites in the US were shut for alleged illegal activity. At the close of trading, Bwin were up 30% and 888 up 15% as investors speculated that the US closures would enhance their operations. On Friday, 11 people connected to 3 major poker websites were charged with offences, including scams. The US probe includes three sites: Full Tilt, PokerStars, and Absolute Poker. Federal US authorities accused the three online poker websites of controling banks to process billion of dollars in unlawful profits. According to Execution Noble expert Geetanjali Sharma: "The closure of the primary rivals' operations and the US legal procedures started versus them must benefit European listed operators." Playtech, another video gaming site, also saw its shares jump 11%. 'Criminal fraud plan' Prosecutors in New York City on Friday stated they had provided limiting orders versus more than 75 checking account in 14 nations used by the poker companies. US Attorney Preet Bharara said the websites "created a sophisticated criminal fraud plan, alternately tricking some US banks and successfully bribing others to assure the ongoing circulation of billions in illegal gambling profits". The indictment said the 3 gambling websites did not follow the US Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, developed in October 2006. The law makes it illegal for betting organizations to accept most kinds of payment from people involved in unlawful web betting. The indictment sought $3bn (₤ 1.8 bn) in cash laundering charges and loss from the sites.