By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brian_Gabrielle]Brian Gabrielle Uncle Sam keeps applying the heat, but it's not the kind of warmth that soothes Shaq's aging body when it starts to ache. Bodog.com founder Calvin Ayre knows all about America's long arms, heating pad and pursuit of folks who operate offshore gambling sites, but these things don't dash his spirit. Associates say he doesn't like talking about "all that," though. Last July, Costa Rica-based BetOnSports CEO David Carruthers and others were arrested, then incarcerated, while trying to board a flight in Texas. They faced racketeering, conspiracy and fraud charges for taking sports wagers from residents of the United States. That happened on the eve of Bodog.com's annual Las Vegas conference. The situation's volatility prompted last-minute cancellation of the summer confab as Ayre chose to stay tucked away in his island paradise on Antigua, safely out of the reach of feds. Those same associates flash another pre-interview yellow light: public speculatation about what might have happened had he flown to Vegas or, for that matter, how the whole offshore gambling issue eventually might be resolved, really isn't even on Ayre's menu. "What more can be said?" Ayre himself quickly acknowledges Sin City won't be hosting a Bodog.com affair any time soon -- if ever --though a similar gathering outside the States remains a distinct possibility down the road. The site has become too sophisticated to limit itself to America's gambling Mecca. "If our marketing conference were to be held today, it would be held internationally and would have evolved to include a much broader focus on digital entertainment marketing -- that is to say, television, music, mixed martial arts, event production, social networking, you name it," Ayre said. "From the time of our last conference (in 2005), we've really expanded our reach and brand recognition into the greater global community, so we're confident that we have the ability to attract a global audience to any type of event we put on. "It simply boils down to time and resources and, because we're so focused on other areas of growth, we've decided not to hold an event of this magnitude -- at least for the forseeable future. "This is not to say that we won't continue to throw some of the world's greatest events, including our international BodogFight Pay-Per-View shows." One classic Las Vegas event that will catch Ayre's eye in summer 2007 -- along with the rapt attention of millions across the planet -- is the World Series of Poker June 1- July 17 at the Rio Hotel and Casino. Ayre won't be on hand himself, of course, but he'll have a pulse on what's happening, just like last year. Jamie Gold, the 2006 main event champion, had Bodog.com ties, but his victory was tarnished by ensuing legal action that cost him a large part of his $12 million winnings as well as his sponsor. When the subject is broached, Ayre briefly displays a keen sense of humor by inserting a smiley face in an e-mail message about the matter, but quickly makes it apparent this is another saga he won't/can't openly discuss. He'd rather talk about the tournament ahead. "Last year, Bodog accomplished its goal of qualifying over 500 players to the WSOP," Ayre said. "Over 400 of these players made it to the main event. "Only one of them won it, though. "This year, we've decided to take a little bit different approach and let our customers decide whether they want to use their winnings to pay for their entry into some of the land-based tournaments. "We have therefore added something called, 'Player's Choice,' where players can walk away with $12,000 qualifier packages and opt for a choice to participate in WSOP, WPT and other events or just to keep their own money."Harrah's, sponsor of the WSOP, has severed official bonds with most online betting sites, transparently feeling Ol' Sol beating on its back, but Bodog.com has sun screen status because of its sponsorship deal. Ayre, youthful appearing at age 45 and still a playboy/debonaire ladies' man, wears more hats than you'd find in a Fifth Avenue Easter parade: globe-trotting entrepreneur, jet-setting high-lifer, former athlete, true visionary, generous philanthropist. Already a master of cyberspace, the skies aren't even the limit as far as Ayre's concerned. A self-made Canadian-born billionaire and one of People Magazine's 50 hottest bachelors, Ayre has taken Bodog.com Entertainment, an online gaming technology and eCom services company that he founded in 1994, and turned it into a multidimensional, all-compassing digital entertainment brand. He finds the entertainment industry challenging "because people are always changing." "The ability to innovate and put your own distinguishable twist on things is invaluable when it comes to keeping people interested," continued Ayre, recently profiled in a Forbes Magazine story about the world's richest men. "We will always see this as a challenge, and it will always propel us to try new things. "Considering the progressive nature of Bodog, it will be a continual driving factor for years to come. "As for goals, I think the number No. 1 goal for us in terms of business is managing our growth. "We're growing rapidly, and considering our expansion into new markets and new forms of entertainment, we've been successfully able to manage our growth up to this point. "It would be a goal of ours to continue to build on this, as we take our growth to a whole new level." Ayre remembers his humble beginnings well and considers himself fortunate to have risen above the level of quiet desperation that frames so many lives, even though it ultimately was his own drive and determination that fueled the glamorous lifestyle he lives today. He harkens to his roots in rural Saskatchewan and chatters like a church lady on subjects such as abundance and the importance of giving back. Bodog.com's continued success is vital, but so are charity and philanthropy. "I would really like to see us achieve the same level of success with our charitable foundation as we've seen with our business endeavors," Ayre said. "With The Calvin Ayre Foundation, we've worked hard to deliver results in all core areas of focus, from giving back to those that are less fortunate, to supporting education initiatives of underprivileged children, to protecting indefensible animals, there are a lot of projects that have achieved a high level of success, but there is still a lot of work left to be done. "The remainder of the work can be seen as both personal and organizational challenges, but we're more than confident that we can overcome them and continue to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of so many others." Brian Gabrielle is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
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