Summary
- Two brothers accused of accepting funds from their followers and placing bets on their behalf
- The elder brother live-streamed his games from casinos
- The suspect profits from the scheme by taking a portion of the money deposited by viewers
Minnesota’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED) is currently investigating two brothers accused of running an illegal gambling scheme on TikTok. Users of the video-sharing social network are the targets of the scheme, where the suspects are allegedly operating a bookie service, charging a subscription fee of $5.99.
Subscribers would then deposit money to the elder brother and allow him to place wagers on their behalf. The culprit makes money by taking a portion of the deposits — $25 for every $100 – from viewers. The younger brother allegedly serves as the right-hand man in the scheme.
Gambling on behalf of others is illegal and authorities are now collecting evidence to launch legal action against the two suspects.
Suspect Live-Streams His Games From Casinos
Upon receiving money from viewers, the elder brother would then use the cash to play at casinos, including the Treasure Island Resort & Casino and the Mystic Lake Casino where he would live-stream his games like so many other streamers.
The suspect denied he was betting for others, saying he uses his own money in his gambling pursuits. But his illegal scheme was eventually exposed following tips by concerned individuals and several eyewitnesses. One of them contacted the authorities and reported that the suspect takes a cut of the funds deposited to him by his followers which he refers to as “donation” in his live streams.
According to Eric Pehle, spokesperson for the Prairie Island Indian Community, the operator of the Treasure Island, live streaming is allowed inside the property, but placing bets on behalf of other people is strictly prohibited. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Gaming Enterprise, which operates Mystic Lake, also has a similar policy. Both operators have since banned the suspect from their establishments after learning about the illegal scheme.
Authorities Still Gathering Evidence
The illegal activity was confirmed by a state agent who watched the suspect’s TikTok streams where he would ask his followers by name which slot machines they wanted him to play on their behalf. The suspect disguises the bets as “donations”, according to the state agent.
Videos show that the suspect won huge jackpots playing slots, with prizes going as high as $15,000.
Authorities have yet to file charges against the brothers and are continuing to gather evidence, including app login history and records of financial transactions to prove their involvement in the illegal scheme.
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