📍 Zimmerman, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A 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, “Betsy Morine,” 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 – Evidence Seized
🏠 Location: Morine’s residence in Zimmerman
📦 Items Found:
- Boxes of unstamped pull-tabs
- Bingo equipment
- Gambling materials used for online operations
Financial Breakdown
💰 Total Transactions (March – 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
Morine’s Statement & Court Summons
🗣️ Post-Miranda Statement: Morine admitted to running the operation for extra income.
📅 Court Appearance: Summons issued – Date pending.
📰 Stay tuned for updates on this case.
📝 I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me