NY POST: 'GAMBLE KING' BETTOR OFF IN JAIL AS KIN MAKE BAIL

[clevfan]

'GAMBLE KING' BETTOR OFF IN JAIL AS KIN MAKE BAIL
By IKIMULISA LIVINGSTON
NY POST

November 30, 2006 -- The alleged kingpin of a $3.3 billion online gambling ring didn't even try to make bail yesterday - but his wife and daughter posted a combined $1.5 million and quickly traded their jail-issue blues for designer duds.

James Giordano, 52, stood before Queens Supreme Court Judge Stephen Knopf and rocked back and forth agitatedly as not one but two lawyers entered a not guilty plea and reserved the right to request bail.

The alleged boss of a multi-faceted Internet gambling enterprise, looking somewhat frail in his jail-issued tunic and loose-fitting pants, said barely a word.

His wife Priscilla Giordano, though, turned to family members and mouthed, "Thank you," as the judge accepted various relatives' homes as collateral for the $1 million bail.

The 53-year-old woman is accused of being the financial officer of the complex operation that used the Web site playwithal.com and toll-free numbers to take bets for football games, basketball, golf and more.

The couple's 31-year-old daughter also handled the ring's finances, the Queens DA says. Melissa Clarin was released on $500,000 bail.

Her husband, Daniel Clarin, 32, is accused of being the man behind the daily operations of the illegal global gambling ring. He made a quick appearance in court, but his lawyers too reserved the right to request bail at a later date.