Zimmerman, MN (trfnews.i234.me)โA Minnesota woman has been charged with multiple gambling-related offenses after a state investigation uncovered an illegal online pull-tab and bingo operation that allegedly generated over $50,000 in transactions.
Illegal Gambling Operation Discovered
Suspect: Betsy Ann Morine Investigation Start: July 2023 Alleged Activities: Hosting illegal bingo and pull-tab games on Facebook Payment Methods: Venmo, Cash App
How Authorities Discovered the Operation
Minnesota Gambling Control Board received a tip about a Facebook account, โBetsy Morine,โ promoting unregistered pull-tabs and bingo games. A special agent from Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement reviewed the page and confirmed numerous gambling-related posts. Authorities found 29 live-streamed gambling sessions hosted between April and November 2023.
December 2023 House Search โ Evidence Seized
Location: Morineโs residence in Zimmerman
Items Found:
- Boxes of unstamped pull-tabs
- Bingo equipment
- Gambling materials used for online operations
Financial Breakdown
Total Transactions (March โ November 2023): $51,000 Total Payouts: $43,000 Withdrawals: $13,500
Criminal Charges & Potential Penalties
Felony Charge: Selling or possessing unstamped gambling materials (Up to 5 years in prison & $10,000 fine) Four Gross Misdemeanor Charges:
- Maintaining a gambling operation
- Participating in gambling income
- Conducting a lottery
- Collecting illegal gambling proceeds
Morineโs Statement & Court Summons
Post-Miranda Statement: Morine admitted to running the operation for extra income.
Court Appearance: Summons issued โ Date pending.
Stay tuned for updates on this case.
Iโm Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me