Matt isn't defrauding anyone, even if he just posts "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!" and logs off, never to be seen again. Welching on a bet is a dick move, but not a scam.
Why the hell do you think this is not defrauding anyone? He defrauded all parties who have entered his contract. He set up the contract with the knowledge that he doesn't have the money and with the intent to never pay out, but pocket possible winnings.
To me, that is clear fraud. A clear scam. But perhaps in libertopia, things are different.
This is 100% accurate. If pirate had paid, MNW would have successfully
stolen nearly a million dollars. That's enough to land you in jail.
won.
I couldn't find any legal info on making a bet you cannot pay being considered fraud. If anyone can find that for me, I'd be glad to amend my position.
Acting in bad faith? Yes. Slimy contract trickery? Yes. Fraud? No.
That said, scammer tag or not, Matt should be held to the spirit as well as the letter of his agreement, and expected to pay up. This was very bad form.