The penalty was approved during the board’s public meeting on March 25 and stems from a consent agreement negotiated with the agency’s Office of Enforcement Counsel following an investigation into BetMGM’s account monitoring and identity verification practices.

Fraud rings exploited gaps in identity checks

According to regulators, BetMGM’s systems were not strong enough to stop users from opening and operating multiple accounts using stolen or improperly used personal information. Officials pointed to shortcomings in the operator’s Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures, which are meant to verify a bettor’s identity before they can place wagers.

Investigators said four separate fraud rings exploited those weaknesses over periods ranging from 19 to 34 months. Over that time, the groups created hundreds of accounts using other people’s identifying details and funded them with fraudulently obtained payment methods.

• operated for approximately 25 months until January 2024 with 1,567 accounts created using personal identifying information of other individuals and $229,580 of combined wagering;
• operated for approximately 34 months until November 2024 with 34 accounts created using personal identifying information of other individuals and over $14,598 of combined wagering;
• operated for approximately 29 months until November 2023 with 119 accounts created using personal identifying information of other individuals and $895,092 of combined wagering
• operated for approximately 19 months until December 2023 with 304 accounts created using personal identifying information of other individuals and $867,910 of combined wagering

Regulators said the scale and duration of the activity showed that BetMGM’s controls were not sufficient to detect or stop the misuse of customer information and payment instruments, both of which are core compliance requirements for licensed online gaming operators in the state.

Exclusion list grows as enforcement continues

Alongside the fine, the board also added 16 individuals to its involuntary exclusion lists, which bar people from gambling at Pennsylvania’s casinos, online platforms, and video gaming terminals located at approved truck stops.

Four of those cases involved adults who left minors unattended while they gambled. In one incident, a person left an 11-year-old in a vehicle for 52 minutes at Hollywood Casino York. In another case, a 9-year-old was left alone in a parking lot at Rivers Casino Philadelphia for more than an hour.

With the latest additions, the number of people on Pennsylvania’s exclusion lists has risen to 1,515, reflecting regulators’ increasing use of the measure as both a consumer-protection tool and a deterrent.

Part of a broader compliance crackdown

The action against BetMGM comes amid heightened scrutiny of compliance controls across the U.S. sports betting industry. Regulators in Massachusetts, for example, have recently issued tens of thousands of dollars in combined fines to several sportsbooks for violations related to prohibited betting activity and reporting failures.

At the same time, MGM Resorts International and BetMGM have continued expanding their responsible gaming initiatives, directing additional funding toward research, education, and player-protection tools. Regulators have repeatedly said those programs are important, but cases like the Pennsylvania fraud investigation show that day-to-day operational controls and technical safeguards remain a central focus of enforcement.

Next regulatory meeting set for April

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is scheduled to hold its next public meeting on April 29 in Harrisburg, where further enforcement actions and regulatory matters are expected to be reviewed.

Featured image: Cicku, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The post Pennsylvania fines BetMGM for fraud lapses appeared first on Our Story Insight.

Court documents unsealed in New Haven lay out allegations that Richard Murray and several others operated the scheme beginning as early as 2018. Investigators say victims were contacted by phone and told they had won a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. However, authorities allege that before collecting any supposed prize money, the winners first had to send in fees and taxes.

According to prosecutors, those calls were only the beginning.

How authorities allege a Jamaican national operated a sweepstakes fraud scheme

After the initial conversations, the group allegedly mailed forged documents to their targets. The papers were designed to look like official winning notifications from Publishers Clearing House, along with tax forms that appeared to come from the Internal Revenue Service. Investigators say the paperwork was meant to make the story believable and reassure victims that the payments were legitimate.

Many of the people targeted were elderly. Prosecutors say victims mailed cash, checks, or money orders to addresses in Connecticut and other states. In some cases, individuals sent multiple payments after being told additional fees were required.

The indictment describes what authorities call a network of “money mules.” These were people who received funds from victims and then transferred the money to Murray and others, according to prosecutors. Some of those individuals were allegedly misled themselves and believed they were taking part in lawful business transactions.

Federal officials also claim the group recruited others to open bank accounts under different names to move the money. Investigators say some of those accounts were tied to ATM cards used in Jamaica, where cash withdrawals were made from funds generated by the scheme.

A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment on April 16, 2024. Murray is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison.

Authorities arrested Murray in Hampton, Georgia, on January 22, 2026. He later appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven on Wednesday (February 11), where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

Prosecutors stress that an indictment is only an allegation. Murray is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report the incident to federal authorities.

Featured image: Canva

The post Jamaican national charged in sweepstakes elder fraud scheme appeared first on Our Story Insight.

The Florida local pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns on August 5, 2025 and received his sentence of 57 months in federal prison on February 4, 2026.

As well as prison time, the court also demanded that Dixon forfeit $1,093,552.50 to go towards the proceeds of the criminal conduct and pay restitution in the amount of $12,964,382.00 to the Internal Revenue Service.

Dixon’s fraudulent activities took place between January 2019 and July 2023, where the tax preparer ran a scheme to defraud the IRS. He prepared or helped prepare 458 false tax returns for 319 taxpayers, including himself, using fraudulent figures for gambling winnings and losses. The forged tax returns requested refunds from the IRS that were not actually entitled.

“Tax fraud isn’t a shortcut – it’s a fast track to prison,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Special Agents work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the tax system and ensure that those who steal from the American public face justice. IRS Special Agents will continue to pursue anyone who thinks they can game the system.”

The effect of Dixon’s fraudulent scheme

If the scheme went ahead as planned, Dixon would have defrauded $42,359,399. The actual loss to the IRS was $12,964,382, paid out to taxpayers including Dixon as refunds or credits applied to other debts. Dixon profited personally in the amount of $1,093,552.50.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, before being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Jennifer Peresie. The forfeiture of assets is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The post Lakeland tax preparer sentenced for gambling fraud appeared first on Our Story Insight.

Holmes sought to commute her 11-1/4-year sentence last year and her request remains pending, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney.

Now 41, Holmes was convicted in 2022 on four counts of wire fraud and conspiracy for cheating investors, and ordered to pay $452 million in restitution. A federal appeals court upheld her conviction and sentence last February.

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022. REUTERS

Prosecutors said Holmes lied to investors from 2010 to 2015 by promising Theranos’ technology could run many medical tests on one blood drop from a finger prick.

Theranos was once valued at $9 billion, and Forbes magazine estimated Holmes’ net worth at $4.5 billion in 2015.

Holmes would still owe restitution if Trump released her from prison, but would not owe it, opens new tab if he pardoned her.

She is housed at a minimum security federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas, and eligible for release in December 2031.

Holmes, shown last year, is housed at a minimum security federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas, and eligible for release in December 2031. REUTERS

The White House declined to comment on Holmes’ request. Lawyers for Holmes did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The post Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes asks Trump for early prison release after fraud conviction appeared first on Our Story Insight.

Allan Wood, 59, from Saltersgate in Ellesmere Port, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday (December 23) after admitting to four counts of fraud by abuse of position linked to his role at Cammell Laird.

The case first came to light in January 2021, when the allegations were reported to Merseyside Police, triggering an investigation by their Economic Crime Team.

As detectives dug into the company’s finances, they uncovered the scale of the fraud. Over more than a decade, Wood siphoned off an eye-watering amount of money from his employer.

Finance director Allan Wood moved money into accounts for gambling and personal spending

Between 2007 and 2008 alone, he dishonestly redirected company funds for his own benefit, moving more than £1.5 million ($2 million) into personal accounts and using company money to pay off his personal credit card bills.

On top of that, Wood signed off on more than £315,000 ($426,000) in what was described as “unauthorised corporate entertainment,” spending company cash on himself, friends, and family. This included charging the firm for tickets to the Champions League final and football season tickets. According to the Liverpool Echo, when questioned later, he even came up with a far-fetched claim that the spending was connected to suspected spying within the company.

Altogether, his actions left Cammell Laird out of pocket by £1,870,243.

At the time the fraud was taking place, the company was already under serious financial pressure. Board members had to put in large sums of their own money just to keep things afloat, while staff faced the very real threat of layoffs and strike action.

Wood was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

Detective Constable Laura Madden, who led the investigation, said: “This fraud placed a business under significant financial pressure, causing distress and worry to all employees. Let’s not also forget the impact it would have had on their families as many feared for their jobs.

“This impact was clearly lost on Wood and he will now be left to consider the full consequences of his actions while he serves time in prison.

“Fraud can and does devastate individuals and businesses, and thankfully Wood has now been prevented from causing any more harm.”

Featured image: Merseyside Police

The post Birkenhead finance director jailed for gambling-fueled $2.4M fraud appeared first on Our Story Insight.

Along with the sentencing, the court has also entered an order for forfeiture in the amount of $1,354,757.64, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and restitution in the amount of $15,028,309.89 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

It was on December 2, 2024, when George Tucker Jr entered a guilty plea, with the update on the sentencing having been provided on December 19 by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida.

According to the update, court documents show that beginning in March 2021, and continuing through to February 2024, the man “engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS.”

Lakeland man’s tax returns included ‘fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses’

The press release states: “Tucker prepared or assisted in the preparation of 316 false and fraudulent tax returns for 196 taxpayers, including himself, for tax years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

“The tax returns contained falsified Schedules A, B, 1, and 3, as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G, which contained fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses, and federal tax withholding amounts (based on the fake gambling winnings). The false tax returns requested substantial refunds from the IRS that the taxpayers were not legally entitled to receive.”

The total intended tax loss from the tax returns the man prepared amounted to $59,941,751, while it’s reported that the actual loss totaled $15,028,309.89, which the IRS paid out to taxpayers either as tax refunds or credits applied to prior debts.

The media release states the man “personally profited $1,354,757.64 in the form of payments from his taxpayer-clients or refunds he received directly from the IRS.” He is said to have used the money to enrich himself, including buying expensive jewelry.

“These defendants spent their days looking for ways to cheat. Those who deliberately exploit our tax system for personal gain will face serious consequences,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office. “These prosecutions reflect the dedication of our agents to protecting honest taxpayers and upholding justice for all Americans.”

Featured Image: Lakeland skyline via Butter142 on Wikimedia Commons, CC 4.0 license

The post Florida gambling fraud scheme ends in seven-year sentence appeared first on Our Story Insight.

The news comes from the Calgary Police Service, who say they were contacted after casino management staff became suspicious of possible fraudulent activity and carried out their own investigation.

CHARGES LAID

We have arrested & charged 2 men & 3 women who are believed to be responsible for working together to defraud a casino located in the city’s southeast.

After casino management staff became suspicious of possible fraudulent activity, they conducted their own… pic.twitter.com/S7dV7q3Wq5

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) December 8, 2025

According to a news release from the City of Calgary, it says “that between Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, and Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, two employees of the casino illegitimately issued unearned winnings to three patrons on several occasions, who participated in various card games.”

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at roughly 3:20PM, Calgary police were called to the casino for alleged reports of theft and fraud. The actual casino hasn’t been named.

It was upon arrival that police located and arrested the five alleged suspects.

The statement continues: “As a result, Yalan YIN, 50, Leonilo Calahi JUAN, 51, Rui Qin HUANG, 52, Rosielyn KONNO, 57, and Catherine MANIPON, 48, are each charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. MANIPON and KONNO are also charged with one count each of criminal breach of trust.”

Alleged fraud suspects will appear in court next week

The five people who were arrested for alleged fraudulent activity are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, December 22, just a few days ahead of Christmas Day.

“Addressing financial crime requires a united approach across different agencies,” says Inspector Scott Neilson of the Calgary Police Service.

“The Calgary Police Service works closely with regulatory bodies and industry partners to ensure gaming industry standards are followed, and those who attempt to exploit them are held accountable. We thank our investigators and partners for their diligent work in helping us advance this investigation.”

The police have also urged anyone with information relating to this possible incident to reach out and have shared that tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Featured Image: CC4.0 license, by AceYYC on Wikimedia Commons

The post Calgary police arrest five in casino fraud appeared first on Our Story Insight.

36-year-old Michael Anthony Houser has been sentenced to a total of 106 months in prison for one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of tax fraud. In addition, he must pay $17,337,949.50 in restitution to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and $8,205,834.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

Houser pled guilty to the charges levelled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma on February 20, 2025. An investigation by the FBI has revealed that the Oklahoma resident embezzled and obtained fraud property while working as a manager for the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises.

“I am proud of the work conducted by our special agents in this case to ensure that justice was brought to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Kyle Smith at the Oklahoma Field Office. “The US Secret Service at its origin was created to identify, monitor and bring to justice those who seek to defraud.

“Protecting our communities here in Oklahoma is a mission we take very seriously, and I am grateful for the strong partnership we share with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation as we work together to bring fraudsters to justice.”

From theft to tax fraud

In doing so, Houser went on to embezzle $24,907,436.07 between July 2016 and February 2024, made up of funds owned by and under the control of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and its agencies, all of which are program that were receiving federal funds. This led to the theft charge.

In addition, Houser didn’t disclose the stolen funds as taxable income, leading to the second charge of tax fraud. In the 2022 tax year, Houser failed to report $7,851,027,28 in income, with his fraudulent tax filings amounting to $8,205,834.00.

“Stealing from the community you are entrusted to serve is a serious betrayal,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge at the IRS Criminal Investigation Dallas Field Office. “Mr. Houser’s crimes harmed the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and undermined trust in public and tribal institutions.

“By stealing from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and falsifying his tax return, Mr. Houser not only defrauded his employer but also the American public. The women and men of IRS-CI are proud to have worked alongside the U.S. Secret Service and the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma to uncover this fraud and hold Mr Houser accountable for his crimes.”

Being cash-based business, tribal gambling companies have formed the backdrop of tax fraud before, as with this case with the Mashpee tribe.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.5

The post Tribal gaming manager jailed for theft and fraud appeared first on Our Story Insight.