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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has imposed a $100,000 fine on Caesars Sportsbook due to a significant technological error that enabled a state resident, Jeffrey Saco, to make over $2.1 million in deposits without actually funding them.
The MGCB’s investigation revealed that Saco exploited a flaw in the system, managing to make 116 deposits without any physical cash or unauthorized funding methods backing them, SBC Americas reports.
As a result of these fake deposits, Saco engaged in betting activities totaling more than $88 million. In April 2023, he withdrew nearly $600,000 before ceasing his gambling activities with Caesars.
Caesars self-reported error
According to the MGCB, Caesars actually reported the technological error that led to Saco’s violation. Investigators discovered that Saco exploited this error to place nearly 10,000 bets over a span of just 16 days, averaging about 26 bets per hour. He subsequently transferred over $521,000 into his personal bank account before discontinuing his use of the Caesars app.
In July, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams issued a Notice of Opportunity to Show Compliance to Caesars. The company recognized the violation and agreed to the $100,000 settlement on July 28, with Williams formally acknowledging the violation on August 11, 2025.
The MGCB officially adopted the terms of this acknowledgement on September 9.
During an MGCB meeting on the same day, Lisa Rankin, Caesars’ VP of Compliance & Licensing, emphasized that the company not only investigated and reported the issue but also collaborated with Michigan law enforcement to pursue criminal charges against Saco.
Ranking reassured the board that Caesars worked closely with its third-party player account management provider to ensure an error would not happen again.
Saco to pay back Caesars
Following the criminal proceedings, Jeffrey Saco faced eight felony charges. In April 2025, he entered a plea deal that resulted in a three-month jail sentence and three years of probation.
As part of his restitution agreement, Saco initially paid Caesars $25,000 and committed to making monthly payments of $2,500 for the duration of his probation.
Caesars operates its online sports betting platform in Michigan under the license of William Hill, a British sportsbook it acquired in 2021. While Caesars retained the US operations, it sold the international business to 888 in 2022.
Source: SBC Americas
