Michigan top sports betting regulator today confirmed that a man from Southfield, MI is facing eight felony charges related to gambling violations in the state. 

In April 2023, Jeffrey Saco, 38, allegedly made more than $2 million in fictitious deposits into his Caesars sportsbook account by exploiting what the Michgan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) called “a system vulnerability.” 

Saco proceeded to place nearly 10,000 bets within 16 days, wagering more than $88 million. He eventually transferred more than $521,000 into his personal account before ceasing activity on the platform. Caesars notified the MGCB about an account holder who was allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities with their mobile betting account, which triggered a joint investigation conducted by the MGCB and the Michigan Department of Attorney General (MDAG). 

“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.”

Summary of the charges

Saco was arrested by Lathrup Village Police on Sept. 4 and conveyed to the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Department in Traverse City by agents from the MDAG Criminal Investigation Division. 

Saco faces the following charges:

• Larceny by Conversion, 1 count.
• Gambling Activity-Felony Violation, 3 counts.
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, 4 counts.

The defendant was arraigned in the 86th District Court in Traverse City, and released on a $500,000 personal bond. 

“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,” Williams added. “With that being said, we will now let the judicial system determine the truth in this matter and the veracity of the charges.”

A preliminary examination hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 4.

Cracking down

As part of its ongoing efforts to uphold “the integrity of the state’s gambling regulations,” the MGCB has conducted a number of investigations into illegal gambling activity in recent months.

In June, a joint investigation led to a raid on Red Horse Bar in Saginaw to dissolve an illegal slot machine operation.

The MGCB reported that 79 illegal gaming machines were confiscated in 2023 as well. 

Michigan is also one of many legal sports betting states that’s cracked down on Bovada, an offshore sports betting brand. Regulators sent its Curacao-based parent company a cease-and-desist letter over the summer.  

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