The PR firm  appears to be misinformed and led by its represented clients to make a false statement, given what the Antigua Directorate of Gaming posted on its Web site on April 25, 2002. "To All Clients of Alladin Gold - Please be advised that all reports from clients will be answered shortly. Be assured that all reports have been logged and will be investigated. We have received a substantial number of complaints that require investigation. The Directorate of Offshore Gaming will shortly be posting detailed information to all clients of the company."

Unfortunately the Directorate never kept the promise with the acknowledged "substantial number of" victims. "I am still owed $15,973 by Alladin Gold. My acct number is xxxxx," an Alladin Gold victim told TheOnlineWire.com May 9, 2004. "I sent many e-mails to the Antigua Gaming Directorate, but never got any replies."

"A considerable amount of $$$$ has been owed to me by Alladin's Gold for over 2 years.  I have had no success with the gaming commission in Antigua in pursuing Mr. Hadeed, or the 3 lawyers that I have dealt with in Antigua," another Alladin Gold's victim told TheOnlineWire.com in May 2004. "My latest lawyer seems to think that with the change in government in Antigua, the government, through the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) may pursue Hadeed with criminal charges.  If Hadeed is convicted, then restitution could be ordered.  I understand that Hadeed has a restaurant and night club in Antigua."

A third player sent us copy of a letter he received from the Directorate of Gaming on February 21 2002, signed by the Directorate of Gaming Industry Liason officer, Marlene Bailey.

"Attached is a letter that we will need you to sign in order to go through with the complaint posted by you, against Alladin Gold," Marlene Bailey was telling the unlucky gambler stiffed by the Antigua licensed sportsbook for over 6 digits.

"After some extended delay, we have finally been able to speak with someone at the Directorate of offshore Gaming in Antigua," the Law Offices of Sylvester Anthony wrote to one represented punter on June 6, 2002. "From our conversation it would appear that advice is being sought from the Director of Public Prosecution with regard to the laying of criminal charges against Alladin's Gold."

I have written formally to the Directorate on your behalf, seeking information as to the status of your complaint and the intentions of the Directorate," Sylvester Anthony concluded in his letter.

Antigua's authorities ably managed to put the entire story to sleep until few weeks ago, when TheOnlineWire.com once again reported it. Eddie Hadeed remains a free man in Antigua with his uncle, the Antigua Minister of State Senator Aziz Hadeed, allegedly securing his status and freedom.

Even the WTO Champion, Mark Mendel, was asked to provide help with this unfortunate case. "I will give it a go with the government and see what I can do," Mark Mendel told TheOnlineWire.com on June 26, 2005.

The acclaimed lawyer who successfully defeated the United States with his case filed with the WTO was apparently less successful with his attempt to make Antigua stand by their own laws and regulations. Not one customer of Antigua-licensed Alladin Gold has been paid to date.

Originally published November 1, 2006 by www.TheOnlineWire.com and republished with permission.