The authorities have added further charges in the cases against two brothers who were playing slots on behalf of TikTok livestream viewers.
Blake Fitzgerald, who allegedly headed up the scheme, is now facing a felony charge and three new gross misdemeanor counts for instructing others to violate gambling laws. He could face prison time if he receives a felony conviction. His brother Christopher Mattison was also hit with further gross misdemeanor illegal gambling counts on Monday. Both men are due in court this week.
Fitzgerald was initially charged in August for allegedly running his gambling scheme for at least four months in two local casinos. He would take money from TikTok viewers and then play slot machines with the funds live on stream.
brothers would take a 25% cut of each payment
The brothers would take a 25% cut of each payment they got from viewers through Venmo and Cash App, as well as charge a $5.99 subscription fee. One of the people they placed bets for was a 16-year-old boy.
Minnesota’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED) received a tip-off in January about the scheme. The investigating agent then made a list of 81 people who sent money to Fitzgerald over a three-week period, with wagers totaling over $48,000.