Tradewinds operator avoids prison

Costa Rica-based businessman Michael Lawrence “Scott” Brannon pleaded guilty to operating the offshore sportsbook.

U.S.- Michael Lawrence “Scott” Brannon, a Costa Rica-based businessman who admitted to helping run the offshore sportsbook Tradewinds, will not serve a prison sentence. Federal court sentenced him to 12 months of probation. The sentence includes six months of home confinement, while the remaining period may be served in Costa Rica, where Brannon resides.

Brannon pleaded guilty in February in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to operating an illegal gambling business. He admitted to conducting, directing and financing Tradewinds between August 2013 and April 23, 2021, working with at least five other people. He acknowledged receiving at least $25m from the operation and agreed to forfeit the full amount.

Brannon must pay $7m shortly after sentencing, while the remaining $18m will be paid in three instalments after he completes home confinement. The forfeiture also covers Tradewinds’ website, trdwd.cc.

Brannon’s probation began on April 6, 2026, and prevents him from owning, managing, operating, consulting for or otherwise participating in any gambling business. He is the second person to face federal prosecution over Tradewinds, which was operating from Costa Rica by at least the late 1990s. Clarence “Gary” Austin pleaded guilty in 2023 after federal authorities raided his Florida residence in 2021. He received five years‘ probation, including six months of home detention.

The assets surrendered by Austin included 61 one-kilogram gold bars, cryptocurrency, funds held in financial accounts and investment products, luxury vehicles and three properties in Florida.