Woman Accused of Running Unlicensed Gambling Games On Facebook
A Zimmerman woman has been charged with multiple gambling-related offenses following an investigation by state authorities.
According to court documents, police allege that for eight months, Betsy Ann Morine conducted illegal gambling activities online from her residence.
The investigation began in July 2023 when the Minnesota Gambling Control Board reported a complaint regarding a Facebook account under the name "Betsy Morine." Posts on the account allegedly promoted unregistered pull-tabs and other gambling activities. A special agent from the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement reviewed the page and found numerous posts advertising bingo games and pull-tabs, with players sending payments through Venmo and Cash App.
Authorities determined that Morine ran at least 29 live-streamed gambling sessions between April and November 2023. During a search of her home in December, law enforcement officers reportedly found boxes of unstamped pull-tabs, bingo equipment, and other gambling materials.
Morine faces one felony charge for selling or possessing unstamped gambling materials and four gross misdemeanor charges related to maintaining a gambling operation, participating in gambling income, conducting a lottery, and collecting proceeds from illegal gambling activities. In a post-Miranda statement, she allegedly admitted to running the operation for extra income.
Financial records showed that from March to November 2023, Morine's Venmo account received nearly $51,000 in transactions, with approximately $43,000 paid out and $13,500 withdrawn.
A summons has been issued for her to appear in court. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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