Sun Times – A few years ago, online gambling all but put bookies out of business. But today, in Chicago, bookies are embracing the technology that almost made them extinct.
For example: BetChicago312.com is similar to mainstream gambling sites like Sportsbook or Bovada (formerly BoDog), except that placing a bet requires a password and having an existing member vouch for you.

‘‘It’s a tightly knit network with some professionals,’’ says John, an online gambler who asked to have his name withheld in fear of retaliation.

John estimates that 600 to 1,000 members gamble through BetChicago312. And with the NFL season just around the corner — traditionally when Las Vegas bookmakers see the most action — the outfit behind the website is actively recruiting more members and gearing up to make ‘‘hundreds of thousands of dollars a week,’’ John said.

‘‘Without a doubt, football season is where the action’s at,’’ John said. ‘‘There’s more member recruitment, more stupid bets — it’s just a cash cow.’’

In 2012, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Chicago charged a father and son — Anthony and Dominic Butitta — with participating in an Internet gambling scheme that, according to federal documents, netted about $400,000 between 2005 and 2009. The duo operated Blackjacks Gentlemen’s Club in Elgin and were ultimately convicted of concealing more than $4.6 million of income from the IRS.

‘‘Obviously we are aware of online gambling,’’ said FBI Special Agent Joan Hyde. ‘‘We had a successful conviction in early 2012, but we can’t speak to ongoing investigations that we may or may not have . . . My hands are tied.”

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