Man Faces Charges for Stealing $88K from Elderly Mom to Fuel Gambling Habit

Orlando Blackwell, 41, from Wilkes-Barre, Wyoming, is facing charges for allegedly stealing over $88,000 from his 81-year-old mother’s bank accounts between March 2025 and July 2026 and using the money to fuel his gambling addiction. Son Stole Money from Mother to Fuel Gambling Addiction An investigation into the possible theft of funds from the victim’s account began after a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Kingston stopped receiving payments from her account. According to the affidavit, investigators found that $88,413 had been stolen or misappropriated while Blackwell was serving as power of attorney for his mother’s financial affairs. The transactions included an $85,124.06 check made payable to Blackwell, along with electronic payments made to himself. According to investigators, Blackwell initially told authorities that he used the money for home repairs needed to care for his mother at the residence. However, he later acknowledged having a gambling problem involving FanDuel and admitted that he used his mother’s funds to pay off gambling-related debt. Speaking of FanDuel, the company has been under increased scrutiny recently as lawmakers are seeking more information about its VIP program, after a scandal and lawsuit involving Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper. The official inquiry follows an earlier set of questions for which FanDuel failed to provide sufficient answers, the lawmakers argue. What’s the State of Gambling in Wyoming Wyoming’s gambling scene is quite developed, but there are still some restrictions that gamblers in the state must be aware of. The state has four licensed casinos in the state – the 789 Casino, the Little Wind Casino, the Wind River Hotel & Casino, and the Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel. The first three are owned and operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe, while the Eastern Shoshone Tribe owns the latter. Aside from tribal brick-and-mortar casinos, Wyoming also has a regulated online gambling sector that’s been active since 2021. Betting on horse racing and other permitted pari-mutuel events is also legal and regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC). Charitable games, social gambling, bingo, and raffles are also permitted. According to the WGC, responsible gaming is integral to its daily operations. It explains that it is committed to fostering an environment that encourages responsible gambling while addressing problem gambling and ensuring patrons have access to assistance when needed. The commission’s efforts include investing in employee training, dedicating resources to responsible gaming education, and taking steps to protect consumers. In other news from Wyoming, Oddin.gg secured a license in the state last month, expanding its presence in the US.