Authorities announced Wednesday the arrest of 23 men accused of operating an illegal sports gambling ring inside the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City.

Operation: High Roller, as police dubbed their investigation, was executed with the Borgata's cooperation after police were tipped off to the allegedly illegal activity. State Attorney General Anne Milgram said five of the defendants are casino employees and three have connections to the Philadelphia mob.

"What makes this case particularly brazen and deeply troubling is that a major criminal enterprise was carrying on its operation in a casino," Milgram said.

The ring, run by Andrew Micali, 32, of Ventnor, took bets on professional and college basketball and football games inside a Borgata poker room, Milgram said. It amassed $22 million since March 2006, she said.

Approximately $250,000 was seized, Milgram said. Charges include illegal gambling, conspiracy and money laundering, but authorities said more could be added. Investigators said more arrests are expected as Operation: High Roller is ongoing.