Former Payment Processor Head Arrested In Nicaragua

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated May 26, 2017

EZPay chief additionally accused of running Sportsbetting.com

2008 illegal online gambling related charges came back this week to bite Ronald Ehli, erstwhile head of payment processor EZPay and (according to prosecutors) Costa Rica-based online sports betting company Sportsbetting.com.

Media reports indicate there was collaboration between the US Justice Department and the Nicaraguan authorities in Ehli’s arrest on passport-related charges in Nicaragua and subsequent return under escort to the United States. There he faces charges  of unlawfully transmitting or receiving gambling information, and second-degree professional gambling in the Washington state Superior Court.

Ehli, who has been living in Nicaragua, ran into trouble with the Washington State Gambling Commission almost ten years ago when undercover agents of the commission ran a sting operation targeting Sportsbetting.com, withdrawing winnings which implicated Chehalis WA-based Ehli and his EZPay company.

A subsequent swoop on the EZPay offices by WSGC officials gathered computer and other evidence, leading to the seizure of almost $5 million in EZPay bank accounts and the formulation of online sportsbetting related charges against Ehli.

Ehli was out of the country at the time and remained so, taking up residence in Nicaragua and starting a fruit export business.

He has in the past denied operating Sportsbetting.com, implying that he was merely a payment processor, and explaining that embarrassment at the loss of EZPay client funds had led to his self-exile.

Pending a court hearing next week, Ehli is currently out on bail of $10,000; his US passport has been cancelled.

Brian Cullingworth

Infopowa news was a staple of Casinomeister’s news from 2000 until 2019. Brian Cullingworth was the main writer, contributor, and was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever known involved in the online casino industry.

We first met in January 2001 at the ICE in London where I observed him going booth to booth interviewing online casino, software, and licensing jurisdiction representatives. Brian was also heavily involved with our forum as “Jetset“, he was involved as an informal consultant to eCOGRA, the OPA, and was a player advocate who assisted countless aggrieved players with his connections to industry folks. He also published “Casino Cautions” via Infopowa news for quite a number of years. These can be found in our news archives.

His passing in February 2019 was a dark day for us. He will be forever missed.


Latest News

It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

It’s that time of the year again! Casinomeister Awards for 2024 have been announced, and we give you all the highlights.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 5, 2025
It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Casinomeister has a introduced a detailed new rating system for sweepstakes casinos, making it easier to find the right place to play.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 3, 2025
New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

The big-name live casino provider Evolution Gaming is facing the UKGC’s investigation for suspected black market activity.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Get in the holiday spirit with Pragmatic Play’s festive tournament and claim up to four €200 Amazon vouchers.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Dec 18, 2024
Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins

Take advantage of this exclusive Christmas offer at Oshi Casino — a 200% match up to $200 and 100 free spins. Grab your promo code here!

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins