By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Three major computer and Internet giants have settled a case with the U.S. government over charges that they promoted illegal on-line gambling.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Catherine Hanaway announced the $31.5 million settlement with Microsoft, Google and Yahoo today/Wednesday. She says the settlement will have a major impact on Internet gaming in the U-S.
"These are three of the largest on-line organizations in the world. We will continue to look for those who violate the law but we also know that if you want to place a bet on line today, you can probably find a place to do it."
Microsoft agreed to pay $4.5 million, to provide $7.5 million to the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and to provide $9 million in public service advertising. Yahoo forfeits $3 million and will provide $4.5 million in public service ads. Google agrees to pay $3 million.