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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wants to see penalties for illegal gambling operations raised from their current level of misdemeanor to a felony.
Uthmeier stated that this punishment simply wasn’t sending the “right message” to people committing such crimes.
“Right now, people can stand to make millions off of unlawful gambling operations and just end up with a slap on the wrist, a misdemeanor,” said the Attorney General in a video that was shared on X.

This year, we have taken down several illegal gambling operations totaling millions of dollars.
I’ve encouraged the Legislature to raise the penalty for such dangerous operations, often combined with trafficking and laundering, from a misdemeanor to felony. Let’s hold criminals… pic.twitter.com/SpqzmDjfM5
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) November 24, 2025

“This is not sending the right message and it is not enough of a deterrent to stop this illegal behavior.”
Florida has had success in dealing with illegal gambling operations in recent months, although Uthmeier said that there is still work to be done.
“Over the last year, we’ve taken down numerous large-scale gambling operations that have spanned in the 10s of millions of dollars,” added Uthmeier.
“A heightened penalty will give us in law enforcement the tools to hold these wrongdoers accountable.”
Uthmeier was behind the operation that led to the arrest of former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez after casino raids exposed an illegal gambling operation.
High-profile illegal NBA gambling ring is part of the problem
In October this year, a major FBI investigation resulted in the arrest of over 30 individuals across several states who were linked with an illegal card game syndicate.
Miami Heat star Terry Rozier was one of the people arrested in connection with the scheme, which was reportedly run by central mafia figures.
Rozier was arrested in Orlando and is currently suspended by the Heat without pay as a result of this connection.
Furthermore, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has subsequently pleaded not guilty regarding any involvement in the card game syndicate, and he has been released on a $5 million bond.
This betting scandal is not only affecting Florida, but also other states across the country, and it remains to be seen if either Rozier or Billups will face further penalties in relation to the case.
Featured Image: Attorney General James Uthmeier via X

The post Florida Attorney General wants illegal gambling penalties raised appeared first on ReadWrite.

An Arizona man has been sentenced to 87 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, after scamming 54 individuals to pay for a gambling habit and lead a lavish lifestyle, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office.
Anthonie Ruinard, Jr, will also have to pay $4,508,057 in restitution to every victim in the case.

Arizona Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years for Defrauding 54 Victims in Investment Fraud Schemehttps://t.co/K7L3VvnbBO pic.twitter.com/y8u92NCuE9
— FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) November 24, 2025

Ruinard was able to fraudulently scam 54 people out of roughly $5.6 million through an investment fraud scheme, which was under the guise of a business titled Legacy Investors Group Inc.
The 40-year-old posed as a successful investor and promised those affected in the case a guaranteed return across investments in areas such as real estate and private equity.
Some victims did receive money early on in the scheme to avoid suspicion, but Ruinard used excuses such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and an unprecedented market to keep the ruse going.
“This sentencing sends a clear and unmistakable message: individuals who engage in financial fraud for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Heith Janke, the FBI agent who was in charge of the case.
“The FBI, together with our law enforcements partners, will continue to identify, investigate and pursue those who orchestrate criminal schemes for their own profit. We remain committed to protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our financial system.”
Authorities say that while his fraud case was still unfolding, Ruinard Jr. allegedly killed an 18-year-old visiting Arizona in 2023. He’s now facing a separate set of charges for that incident, including second-degree murder and abandoning a body.
Arizona judge issues sentence in gambling-fueled fraud case
United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich delivered the sentence on November 17, and it will be ten years before he can live a normal life again.
“Fraudsters actively prey on communities to steal hard earned money by using trust and false promises for their own greed and benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine following the news.
“This sentence demonstrates that not only will scammers be held accountable financially, they will also face significant time in jail.  The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute these crimes in order to protect the honest work of those who build their lives here in Arizona.”
Ruinard took millions from his victims and spent it on items such as an armored vehicle, gambling, living expenses and credit card payments.
It was reported in 2024 that around 80 million US consumers have lost money to fraud or financial scams over the previous five years.
Featured image: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
The post Arizona scammer gets 87 months for $5.6M fraud paying for gambling and lifestyle appeared first on ReadWrite.

FanDuel have announced the launch of Pass the Leg via a press release, which is an in-app feature allowing customers to build a group parlay collaboratively.
This new app turns standard parlay betting into something which can be shared with friends as the holiday season fast approaches.

INTRODUCING: Pass The Leg
This Thanksgiving, we’re letting you & your crew build your parlay TOGETHER
Learn More: https://t.co/MikoYDs67V pic.twitter.com/G2ZBj4Jyhx
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) November 24, 2025

The main feature of Pass the Leg allows players to add their own leg into a shared group parlay, before being able to place individual bets using their own funds.
Furthermore, a profit boost could enhance the winnings across the shared parlay, and the app will be made exclusive for the three NFL matches taking place on Thanksgiving.
Pass the Leg is the first multi-user parlay experience offered by a US operator, marking a shift in how sportsbooks are evolving to meet the needs of players across the country.
“Pass The Leg is all about how our customers actually experience sports – together, sharing excitement, and creating memories around the games they love,” said Managing Director at FanDuel, Karol Corcoran.
“We listened to how fans were already collaborating in group chats and family gatherings, and built a feature that brings that natural social energy directly into their betting experience.”
FanDuel is attempting to move with the times
The introduction of Pass the Leg is not the only way that the company is evolving. Earlier in November, FanDuel announced that it would be launching prediction markets through the new FanDuel Predicts app.
This will be a joint venture between parent company Flutter Inc. and CME Group, and it is set to be launched in December.
FanDuel appears to be following in the footsteps of DraftKings, which is also launching its own prediction market platform in the near future, specifically targeting states where sports betting is illegal.
At the time of writing, 38 states allow sports betting, yet just 30 of those have some form of online platforms.
Featured Image: FanDuel
The post FanDuel unveils Pass the Leg, its first in-app collaborative group parlay appeared first on ReadWrite.