The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the Michigan Department of Attorney General charged a Southfield man with eight felony counts involving fraudulent online activity.
The MGCB takes these issues, along with illegal gambling, as seriously as any state. One of the state’s operators alerted regulators to the activity.
Fraud activity included $88 million in illegal wagers
Jeffrey Saco, 38, is now facing eight felony charges stemming from an incident back in April 2023. Allegedly, Saco fictitiously deposited $2 million into his Caesars account by exploiting a system vulnerability. From there, he placed 10,000 bets worth more than $88 million within 16 days.
Before stopping, Saco placed $521,000 into his personal account. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel believes it’s important to crack down on individuals who engage in criminal activity while gambling.
“My office not only works alongside the Michigan Gaming Control Board to enforce our state laws prohibiting illegal gaming operations, we also partner to prosecute criminals taking advantage of legitimate gaming venues,” she said.
“I appreciate our partnership with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and share their dedication to enforcing our state’s gaming laws.”
Saco is being charged with the following accounts, according to the MGCB:
- Larceny by Conversion: 1 count
- Gambling Activity-Felony Violation: 3 counts
- Using a Computer to Commit a Crime: 4 counts
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams explained that Saco has a right to due process. However, the MGCB will always uphold the integrity of gambling within the state.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board takes the enforcement of gambling laws and regulations very seriously in this state. To that end, I appreciate the collaborative partnership the agency has with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and industry personnel at Caesars Entertainment—who initially notified us about this situation.”
A preliminary examination hearing for the case has been scheduled for Oct. 4.
Other instances of MCGB cracking down individuals
While case happened to be an online incident, the MGCB has taken down multiple in-person illegal gambling activities.
Most recently, the MGCB raided and shut down the Red Horse Bar in Saginaw after issuing multiple cease-and-desist letters. The two owners of the bar faced felony gambling charges, too.
The MGCB also closed multiple illegal wagering locations in Flint earlier this year. The responsible parties each face four felonies.
Whether a state bar offers illegal gambling or fraudulent activity occurs online, the MGCB will likely find out about it and take swift action. In most cases of illegal activity, the MGCB has involved law enforcement to punish those skirting around the integrity of gambling in Michigan.
This latest case is the MGCB protecting other Michigan gamers and operators within the state.
