Illegal TikTok Gambling Operation under Investigation in Minnesota

The men, allegedly participating in the operation collected subscription fees and partial bets while streaming live gambling activities. The Edina man allegedly collected a $5.99 fee as a subscription as well as $25 for every $100 deposited for betting.

Gambling and Streaming over TikTok

Those funds were reportedly obtained by the man via different cash applications. At a later point, the man would gamble and stream live his play. It is believed that his brother was also involved in the operation.

Court documents uncover that the duo engaged in the illicit activity at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino near Red Wing, as well as the Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake. It is not unexpected that the activity prompted an investigation. Currently, in Minnesota, the gambling law doesn’t allow any individual to place a wager on behalf of another person.

Considering that the duo is believed it collected fees and partial sums from deposits, this makes the activity illicit. The TikTok account belonging to the Edina man has some 165,000 followers. His videos feature gambling for real money and only recently, back in December, he won a $15,000 jackpot from slots. So far, neither of the alleged participants in the operation is facing any charges. Still, the gambling regulator in Minnesota confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.

Streaming Live Gambling Isn’t a New Trend

Streaming from casinos on TikTok isn’t a new trend. While browsing the application one can watch people streaming while playing poker, blackjack, slots, or engaging in other gambling activities. Yet, according to the gambling watchdog in Minnesota, the latest case marks the first of its kind where a person collects fees and a percentage of the wager to gamble.

Besides casino gambling, live streaming of scratch-off tickets can also be found on TikTok. Streamers engage in hours-long streams and continuously scratch tickets.