A Michigan gambler from Southfield is facing eight felony charges for allegedly defrauding the Caesars Sportsbook betting app. The incident occurred in April 2023, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

Michigan gambler allegedly made more than $2 million in fictitious deposits into his Caesars Sportsbook account

Jeffrey Saco, 38, allegedly made more than $2 million in fake deposits into his Caesars Sportsbook account by “exploiting a system vulnerability” last April.

Saco placed 10,000 bets within 16 days, which is roughly 26 bets an hour. The bets wagered more than $88 million. He then allegedly transferred more than $521,000 into his personal account before ceasing activity on the platform.

The MGCB and the Michigan Department of the Attorney General’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.

Saco was arrested on Sept. 4 and was arraigned on Sept. 5 in the 86th District Court. He was released on a $500,000 personal bond. The bettor faces the following felony charges:

• One count of larceny by conversion. Per the Michigan Penal Code Section 362 (MCL 750.362), larceny by conversion occurs when an individual embezzles or unlawfully converts money, goods, or other property that has been entrusted to them. The penalties for this offense depend on the value of the stolen property.
• Three counts of gambling activity-felony violation. Under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, 432.218, each felony count is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $100,000.00, or both.
• Four counts of using a computer to commit a crime. According to the Under MCL 752.796, each felony count for using a computer to commit a crime is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of 10-20 years and/or a $10,000 fine.

MGCB collaborated with Attorney General’s Office, Caesars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment notified the MGCB after Saco allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities with his mobile betting account. An extensive joint investigation was then conducted by the MGCB in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board takes the enforcement of gambling laws and regulations very seriously in this state,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.

“To that end, I appreciate the collaborative partnership the agency has with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and industry personnel at Caesars Entertainment — who initially notified us about this situation.

“It is important to remember that this individual who is facing charges has the right to due process and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. With that being said, we will now let the judicial system determine the truth in this matter and the veracity of the charges.”

A scheduled probable cause conference took place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Saco’s preliminary examination is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Michigan citizens can report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to [email protected].