First Man Sentenced In Sports Gambling Scheme Involving Casey Urlacher

Eugene “Geno” DelGiudice, aged 85, has been sentenced to one year of probation and three months of home detention for his participation in an illegal gambling operation.

Casey Urlacher, the brother of legendary Chicago Bears player Brian Urlacher, was reportedly involved in the same plan. Vincent, the son of DelGiudice, was in charge of overseeing the operation.

The older DelGiudice admitted to acting as a courier for the gambling operation, where he reportedly picked up and delivered significant amounts of money in exchange for payment.

During the video conference hearing, he acknowledged, “I know that what I did was wrong and I’m sorry. I don’t have any excuses, so I won’t try to make any.”

The sentence given by US District Judge Virginia Kendall to DelGiudice was less harsh than expected, as prosecutors requested home detention and probation due to his mostly law-abiding life.

Additionally, they emphasized that his advanced age and poor health put him at a high risk of death or illness if he were to become infected with COVID-19.

DelGiudice’s defense attorney claimed that his client had no computer skills and was unaware of the details of the scheme. Numerous letters attesting to DelGiudice’s character were submitted to the court.

DelGiudice confessed that he enjoyed being a source of guidance for the younger members of the ring.

One of the scariest things about getting older, he remarked, is the sensation of diminishing significance. “I long for that,” he continued.

Casey Urlacher’s reaction to it

DelGiudice was charged for previous offenses, but Urlacher is accused of conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling operation.

If Urlacher is convicted on both charges, he could potentially receive a ten-year prison sentence. Nonetheless, DelGiudice’s lenient punishment may hint at a favorable outcome for Urlacher, even considering factors like his age or limited role in the scheme.

DelGiudice faced a possible sentence of up to five years in jail when he pleaded guilty on July 2.

Reports indicate that while serving as the mayor of Mettawa, Illinois, Urlacher allegedly hired punters and received a percentage of their losses as compensation.

He continues to hold the position of president to this day.

Vincent DelGiudice will enter a criminal plea.

According to court records, Vincent DelGiudice, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme, is set to plead guilty in the upcoming week.

According to reports, the younger DelGiudice reportedly paid “unclemicksports” over $10,000 per month to manage his website. In April 2019, authorities searched his residence and discovered nearly $1 million in cash, jewelry, and assorted silver bars.

Federal authorities are seeking an $8 million forfeiture, claiming that the betting ring was valued at multiple millions of dollars.

Why Illinois’ legitimate gambling is preferable

One person claimed to have been intimidated by an agent, specifically targeting problem gamblers. To make up for the money lost, the victim resorted to stealing funds from his employer.

At the same time, legal gambling has established measures to encourage responsible gambling, and legal entities will never pressure or intimidate individuals.

Assistant US Attorney Ankur Srivastava commented that the story of one gambler is just one of many similar stories. He also mentioned that Eugene DelGiudice was involved in criminal activities that took advantage of the gaming industry and resulted in many victims, but he did not personally pressure the gamblers.

Srivastava observed that a number of patients were jeopardizing their careers and marriages by persisting in gambling with the band.

He declared during the hearing that the household’s activities were not simply friendly games like basketball. Srivastava recommended increasing Eugene DelGiudice’s household sentence from three months to six.

Charges to ten individuals have fully covered the program costs, while Play Illinois remained vigilant in monitoring the situation and making new decisions.

There are many safe and legal sports betting options available in Chicago and throughout Illinois.