Bodog Founder Calvin Ayre Retires From Online Casino Business
Calvin Ayre, the famous founder of Bodog online casinos, has decided to retire, having already sold off most pieces of his empire. Most of Ayre's recent work has been as the face of the company, selling his image as a playboy living the life of luxury.
Ayre sold the North American brand of Bodog to Morris Mohawk Gaming Group, located outside Montreal in the Indian territory of Kahnawake, last year. An operational team of executives has been put in place to run Bodog's European and African casinos, and to follow up on plans for South American expansion.
Ayre has promoted his image as a charming pirate, but many view him as more of a true scoundrel. He avoided prosecution in a marijuana smuggling case which sent his father to jail years ago, but questions of his involvement remained. Further, an insider trading scandal caused him to effectively be banned from doing business in British Columbia.
Since riding the crest of the online gambling craze, Ayre has made headlines for continuing business in North America when many other didn't, and for flaunting his wealth a la Hugh Hefner or Richard Branson, traveling with a squad of Bodog Girls in private jets to tropical paradises.
Ayre says his retirement is designed to allow him to live a quieter life at his home in Antiqua, and to promote his charitable eponymous foundation.
The day may still come where Ayre wishes he had not so frequently thumbed his nose at the U.S. Justice Department. Even though the laws against online gambling may hopefully soon change, government agents have long memories and would love to prosecute Ayre for his actions when the law was not favorable.
