Illegal Sports Operators Facing Up To 5 Years Behind Bars

Following a federal investigation into illegal gambling in Wichita, Danny Chapman, 67 and Daven Flax, 46, have now pleaded guilty to a range of charges, including running an illegal sports bookmaking business via online gambling sites in Costa Rica. As a result, they now face the prospect of spending up to five years behind bars, in addition to being hit with a $250,000 fine for their involvement in the illegal activities.
In his plea, Danny Chapman admitted to operating an internet sports betting business from January 2013 to February 2017, during which time he earned more than $2,000 per day. In order to avoid paying $345,00 in federal taxes, he then spent the money on a range of different products, including vehicles, as well as purchasing cashier’s checks and money orders, all of which he did using other people’s names.
Danny Chapman also had another $1.5 million of his illegal proceeds confiscated by the FBI in connection with an investigation into live poker games that would be run by Daven Flax. His bookmaking associate has since plead guilty to operating an illegal gambling business, and making a false tax return statement after attempting to avoid paying $65,000 in federal income taxes.
The FBI was able to unearth details of the men’s activities after wiretapping their phones, as well of those of a number of other people, including Brandon Steven, who is currently the highest earnings poker player in Kansas with $3.19 million in tournament winnings. Steven apparently came on the FBI’s radar after an unsuccessful attempt to acquire a license to run a legal casino in the state, but whether he played any part in the illegal gambling operation is as of yet undetermined. Commenting upon the case last year, Brandon Steven said:
“I’m aware of the broad nature of this inquiry. As you know, and everybody knows, I play high-stakes poker. And from what we understand, they are looking into my poker and my involvement with Castle Rock Casino.”
Another high-profile person whose phone calls were intercepted as a result of the FBI investigation is Michael O’Donnell, a former Republican state senator who is now the Sedgwick County Commissioner.