March 6th, 2007
U.S. v. Bala (Conviction Reversal)
Legal document from US Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit overturning the ruling and conviction of Susan Bala in the ND State District Court.
Susan Bala
Trial by Fire
Photo by Kyle Medenwald
Photo by Kyle Medenwald
The pioneering entrepreneur who refused to give up
Susan Bala – A successful entrepreneur and a proven innovative leader known for her vision, perseverance, and spirit. She founded her company, Racing Services, Inc., in the 1990s, focusing on building a state horse racing industry and assisting in writing some of the first laws in the United States for interstate pari-mutuel horse racing. Leveraging the landmark 1985 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Murrelet, Inc. v. Gray, which allowed states to authorize and regulate interstate simulcast wagering on horse races, Ms. Bala crafted a business model utilizing new technologies to generate industry-building revenues through off-track networks and mobile venues.
In 1989, she developed some of the United States first state legislation and regulation for interstate off-track parimutuel horse racing. Her company was awarded one of the first licenses in the country in 1990, after which she built an interstate, and then international, network that was the engine for economic development, contributing millions of dollars and building a state horse racing industry and race track. Before this ruling, pari-mutuel wagering had been confined to the enclosures of live race tracks. Ms. Bala innovated growth integrating new technologies taking the Sport of Kings from the race tracks to screens all over the United States and Latin America.
She has a track record of legislative achievements, new market creation, industry development, and significant contributions to global distribution. Recognized for her pioneering role in integrating satellite and digital technologies to transmit live racing events across borders, she established substantial international operations. Bala distributed the U.S. live horse racing events to Latin America and transmitted the parimutuel wagers internationally from Latin America into on-track pools hosted at racetracks across the USA.
Ms. Bala is widely known for her prolonged fight, her perseverance and relentless pursuit of justice in a grueling twenty-year court battle with the government after enduring their unprecedented attack on her personally and her company. She battled and defeated wrongful legal claims, the loss of her multi-million dollar business, her assets, personal and professional defamation, and daunting personal challenges. (See details below)
Speaking out against the government’s wrongful conduct, she has emerged victorious with the courts. She is currently developing Phoenix Global Technology and pursuing humanitarian efforts, co-producing the international film, “Can I Go Home Now?” that shines a spotlight on the effects of the Ukrainian War as told through the voices of the Children.
Delegate For
U.S. Commerce Department
Due to her continued success in business and economic development, Ms. Bala was selected by the U.S. government as a Delegate for the United States Commerce Department in 1996, where she represented the United States in its Trade Missions to Latin America.
She expanded her business throughout the region, establishing a multi-lingual international technology center that served the U.S. and Latin America. Susan is credited with turning a $100,000 investment into $500 million in betting volume in the 90s and her innovative initiatives generated over $22 million in new tax revenues. Funding the creation of a new industry, the construction of the race track called North Dakota Horse Park, and substantial charitable contributions.
In Her Own Words - Interviews with Susan
Joel Heitkamp Quote
Listen to a quote directly from Joel.
Joel Heitkamp Podcast
Listen to the start of the Capitol Punishment series
"This story needs to be told. What happened to Susan Bala should never happen in America again. They took part of this woman's life away from her. Susan's amazing resolve in the end won out. Whatever role we played on News & Views in keeping this story alive is something I'm proud of. She is owed that and much more."
Joel Heitkamp
Former ND State Senator
Host of News & Views on
KFGO 790 AM & 104.7 FM
Host of News & Views on
KFGO 790 AM & 104.7 FM
"This is an unbelievable, amazing story. Susan is an inspiration, she continued to fight long after many would have given up. After so many years, we finally get to hear what really happened."
Jay Thomas
Host
The Jay Thomas Show
WDAY 970 AM & 93.1 FM
The Jay Thomas Show
WDAY 970 AM & 93.1 FM
Jay Thomas Interview
In Her Own Words - Interviews with Susan
"This story needs to be told. What happened to Susan Bala should never happen in America again. They took part of this woman's life away from her. Susan's amazing resolve in the end won out. Whatever role we played on News & Views in keeping this story alive is something I'm proud of. She is owed that and much more."
Joel Heitkamp
Former ND State Senator
Host of News & Views on
KFGO 790 AM & 104.7 FM
Host of News & Views on
KFGO 790 AM & 104.7 FM
Joel Heitkamp Quote
Listen to a quote directly from Joel.
Joel Heitkamp Podcast
Listen to the start of the Capitol Punishment series
"This is an unbelievable, amazing story. Susan is an inspiration, she continued to fight long after many would have given up. After so many years, we finally get to hear what really happened."
Jay Thomas
Host
The Jay Thomas Show
WDAY 970 AM & 93.1 FM
The Jay Thomas Show
WDAY 970 AM & 93.1 FM
Jay Thomas Interview
The 20 year Legal Battle
Ms. Bala’s reputation is also heralded for her victory against a prolonged wrongful political prosecution based upon an erroneous case, resulting in her exoneration by the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Due to her company’s high profile, Susan Bala was targeted by politically motivated government officials who wrongfully accused her company, leading to a highly publicized and grueling 20-year legal battle. She was thrust into a tumultuous period accompanied by significant financial burdens and personal sacrifices, and yet she fought against all the odds driven by the desire to clear her name and protect her company’s reputation. The government took control of her company and its funds, additionally taking all of her personal assets and then prematurely selling them, and took further actions to obstruct her from defending herself and the company, leaving her penniless, thus without the ability to hire an attorney for the defense from the wrongful accusations by the government. The government’s extreme wrongful actions went as far as taking over her home, which she fought for, successfully retaining it to eventually give it to her lawyers as an initial payment for part of their fees to begin a defense.
The Victory
Susan Bala achieved a landmark victory in 2007 when the U.S. courts exonerated her acknowledging the wrongful accusations, the unjust actions by the government, and overturning the federal case.
The courts ruled in Susan’s favor that the government had illegally taxed her company for which she was awarded substantial financial repayment from what the government had illegally taken. From the time of her exoneration, it then took an additional 14 years of battling through the courts to bring all the wrongful cases to a close and receive financial repayment.
Her victory was not just personal, but also a significant moment for the industry and entrepreneurs, critically highlighting the importance of fairness and justice. The courts’ decisions were a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice.
Legal Trial Timeline
November 28th, 2018
Judge Collin's Ruling
Legal document from the US Bankruptcy Court and the Honorable Thad J. Collins, Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Iowa detailing his ruling in an extensive and detailed 99 page document.
April 23rd, 2021
Bankruptcy Court's Second Denial
Legal document from the US Bankruptcy Court and the Honorable Thad J. Collins, Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa denying the second claim by the State of North Dakota, in which he is quoted as saying "the state's attempts unfairly prejudice Bala" and "Enough is enough".
Headlines On Susan's Legal Victories
A collection of articles highlighting Susan Bala’s legal victories and the tumultuous twenty-year saga that she endured to fight the wrongful accusations she faced from the government and affirm her innocence.
Susan Bala: Fashion, Furlongs, & Film
June 6th, 2024 - An article for Fargo Inc. Magazine and fargoinc.com highlighting key aspects throughout Susan's life, including her education, work experience, global business ventures, advances in tech and legislation, and being a delegate for the U.S. Department of Commerce - written by Josiah Kopp
Appeals court upholds ruling
January 7th, 2022 - An article for KFGO detailing the federal appeals court decision to uphold a federal bankruptcy judge's ruling against Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem's battle with Susan. - written by Paul Jurgens
Judge denies Stenehjem's claim
April 23rd, 2021 - A press release on Federal Judge Thad Collins 29 page ruling denying Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem's claim as without merit and addresses a hidden aggrement revealed in court between Stenehjem and Las Vegas gambler, Peter Wagner. - submitted by attorney Lorelle Ann Moeckel
Senate Approves $15.2 Million for Bala
April 11th, 2017 - An update for KVRR detailing the North Dakota Senate's approval to pay back Susan $13 million with $2.2 million in interest. - written by TJ Nelson
JUDge: North Dakota Owes Susan $13 Million
March 14th, 2017 - An article for KVRR detailing the Federal judge's ruling that North Dakota needed to refund Susan $13 million. - written by TJ Nelson
Court overturns conviction of Susan
March 7th, 2007 - An AP article from Blood Horse magazine and website detailing the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturning the conviction of Susan and forfeiture of $99 million. - written by The Associated Press
The making of a New Global business and a Humanitarian film
Beginning a new chapter, Susan moved forward consulting on new legislation and developing a new global business called Phoenix Global Technology, which creates tools for online compliance, security, and integrity; while also supporting her humanitarian causes such as Children and justice with the film ‘‘Can I Go Home Now?’’
Phoenix Global Technology -
A Multinational Tech Venture
Phoenix Global Technology, founded by Susan Bala, is an international venture specializing in digital security, compliance, and regulation for the digital era. The company develops advanced applications in digital security, social gaming, AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain technology to address global digital challenges.
Phoenix has rapidly gained prominence in digital gaming and emerging markets, offering high-tech solutions for regulators and online and retail operations. The leadership team has over 250 years of combined experience in legislation, regulatory development, compliance, technology, operations, media, branding, and marketing.
The mission is to empower global markets with cutting-edge technology, integrity, and sustainable practices, ensuring compliance and entertainment value. Their solutions are rigorously tested and certified, proven in strict jurisdictions like the UK and the US.
Phoenix Global Technology -
A Multinational Tech Venture
Phoenix Global Technology, founded by Susan Bala, is an international venture specializing in digital security, compliance, and regulation for the digital era. The company develops advanced applications in digital security, social gaming, AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain technology to address global digital challenges.
Phoenix has rapidly gained prominence in digital gaming and emerging markets, offering high-tech solutions for regulators and online and retail operations. The leadership team has over 250 years of combined experience in legislation, regulatory development, compliance, technology, operations, media, branding, and marketing.
The mission is to empower global markets with cutting-edge technology, integrity, and sustainable practices, ensuring compliance and entertainment value. Their solutions are rigorously tested and certified, proven in strict jurisdictions like the UK and the US.
‘Can I Go Home Now?’
a Humanitarian film
Susan Bala - Co-Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, Susan has collaborated with director-humanitarian Pritan Ambroase on the film, ‘Can I Go Home Now?’ – a film that reflects themes of overcoming tragedy and fighting for justice, mirroring her own parents’ and grandparents’ history living in war zones during the Second World War.
This film is a compelling cinema-documentary hybrid artfully created and spearheaded by acclaimed film director Pritan Ambroase in partnership with multiple Oscar and Grammy winners. The film’s entire soundtrack has been composed by two-time Oscar winner A.R. Rahman. The film focuses on the profoundly heartbreaking experiences of Children caught in current war zones. It is unique in its approach as only Children are allowed to speak on the topic of war. No adults are allowed to speak in this film. Ambroase, who also owns Hollywood Insider, risked his own life going to active war zones, to meet the Children. It stands as a testament to Susan Bala’s unwavering commitment to humanitarianism and advocacy, underscoring her belief in the power of true storytelling to effect change.