Ex-ISU Student Avoids Prison For Role In ‘Uncle Mick’ Illegal Gambling Ring

Written By Derek Helling on October 4, 2021
matthew namoff sentencing

Uncle Mick Sports, a member of the Andlquo family involved in illegal gambling, avoids prison time. Matthew Namoff, age 25, was sentenced to two years of probation, six months of home confinement, and a fine earlier this week by an Illinois prosecutor.

Namoff from Midlothian, Illinois, confessed to participating in illegal sports betting while attending Illinois State University in April. With his sentencing complete, the looming question is whether the ringleader will be incarcerated.

More defendants involved in an illegal gambling ring are receiving lenient sentences.

Another punishment for Uncle Mick, a member of an improper playing ring

Between 2016 and 2019, Uncle Mick’s illegal betting operation facilitated millions of dollars in bets. Namoff enlisted fellow ISU students to place bets on the platform, acting as runners or intermediaries.

The state judge overseeing Namoff’s sentencing leaned towards the defense’s arguments, despite prosecutors pushing for a prison term of six months to one year.

As reported by KadeHeather from the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier, the defense emphasized Namoff’s age, the small monetary value of the bets he helped place, and his clean criminal record during their arguments.

The prosecution pointed to Namoff as the primary recruiter of punters in the scheme, surpassing all other riders. They also highlighted that many of the punters he hired were underage for legal gambling.

In Illinois, individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from betting on sporting events. It is also illegal to place bets with any company or individual that does not hold a license from the Illinois Gaming Board.

The main player in the ring is currently awaiting sentencing, while Namoff has begun working to pay off his $10,000 fine. His death is prioritized over his future.

Does this imply that the mastermind will receive a harsh punishment?

In February, DelGuidice, Uncle Mick, and Vincent all pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including running an illegal gambling operation and engaging in money laundering. An FBI investigation revealed that DelGuidice personally profited over $8 million from the illegal scheme.

Only one out of the 10 individuals charged by federal prosecutors has been sentenced to prison so far. Nicholas Stella, a former Chicago police officer, is the one who received the sentence.

Former Chicago Bears player Brian Urlacher’s brother, Casey Urlacher, was potentially facing prison time but was granted a pardon by former President Donald Trump.

Free assistance is available for problem gamblers in Illinois.

Prosecutors may pursue a severe sentence for DelGuidice due to the accessibility of legal sports betting and the heightened risk of younger individuals developing gambling issues. This is compounded by the fact that other members of the ring have managed to evade imprisonment thus far.

DelGuidice should be informed of his impending arrival in a few weeks. Additionally, all Illinois residents will be made aware of the exact consequences of engaging in illegal gambling at that time.