If you think that the FBI is going to help stop these extortionists, then you are an even bigger moron than you appear to be by using the word "fags" to refer to them. One fails to see the relevance of sexual orientation here.
The FBI, if they are aware of the situation, will happilly sit by and watch before lifting a finger to help. The FBI has been long eager to see the end to off shore wagering.
The FBI could care less about the offshare community, now the DOJ, that's a different story. Now, since you you're so into "relevence", do not be surprised if these hackers have an American connection. First off, the best universities for technology are in the US. Second off, the extortion letters were all written in perfect (slang) English.
Will they be caught? It's doubtful. Will they be stopped? That much is probable with some tireless effort on the parts of those tech staffs responsible for keeping their web sites up and running, and protecting them from outside invasion (virus or other).
It takes one mistake by these hackers to get caught. If you forget to cover one hop along the way you're likely to get caught. Sure it's doubtful, but so is coming ahead in gambling - yet YOU'RE here, are you not?
As far as paying or not paying is concerened? I think that it's relative. How much does each individual sportsbook have to lose by not paying. Some are quite dependent upon their internet traffic. Others can afford to be down for a while as they try to come up with a solution to defeat these criminals. Judge not, lest you have to walk in another's shoes for a mile.
If a shop is solely dependent upon internet business and pays the 30K they ARE NOT just paying 30K. They are paying 30K per year to this group of cowards, and 30K to every other group of DOS attackers that smells the opportunity. How many books go under as is? Do you think they could afford to drop another 300 dimes if 10 seperate attackers are successfull?
No, of course not.
You ONLY win by upgrading & investigating.
Finally, I'd like to say that this forum is not the place for bigotry and hate..It's for discussing the business of gaming.
Yet you're only only post is about hackers & refers to me as a 'moron'. The only thing worse than idiot such as yourself, is a hypocrite - a liar, if you will.