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Four late-September raids resulted in the Michigan Gaming Control Board seizing over 50 suspected gambling machines and $12,700 in alleged illegal gambling profits, as announced on Tuesday.
The raids that occurred on September 28 and 29 in Redford Twp., Taylor, Allen Park, and Mundy Twp. were the result of collaborative investigations conducted by the MGCB and the Michigan Attorney General’s office.
In a statement, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams acknowledged the rising number of complaints regarding suspected illegal gambling and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by citizens through our tip line at 888-314-2682. Williams emphasized that the MGCB collaborates closely with local law enforcement agencies to scrutinize alleged illegal gambling establishments. These unregulated locations lack the safeguards associated with legal, regulated gaming and can introduce undesirable criminal activities into communities.
56 alleged gaming machines, $12K in alleged profits seized
In the raids, a combined number of 56 gaming machines were seized, with the majority of 53 being confiscated from the Mundy location.
There were four locations: 25845 Eight Mile Road in Redford Twp., 8808 Pelham Road in Taylor, 19350 Ecorse Road in Allen Park, and The Hot Spot in Mundy Twp. found at 5542 Fenton Road.
According to the statement, it was claimed that The Hot Spot offered customers the chance to engage in casino-style games. These games were said to be available alongside the purchase of overpriced snacks and merchandise. Additionally, the store was accused of providing promotional play to customers when they made purchases, as well as offering cash rewards for winning.
At the store, a sum of $9,141 in cash, suspected to be connected to gaming activities, was seized.
The Redford, Taylor, and Allen Park gas stations were found to be housing one slot-style gaming machine and two “coin pushers,” all of which were seized by state officials. A sum of $3,295 was confiscated from the coin pushers, while $290 was taken from the slot-style machine.
The execution of the search warrants received assistance from the Allen Park Police Department, Redford Township Police Department, and Michigan State Police.
MGCB cracking down on illegal gambling efforts
Approximately a month later, the raids occurred following a previous pair of raids conducted on suspected storefront casinos in the Flint region.
As a result of the raids, authorities seized 67 machines believed to be involved in gambling activities, along with $10,141 in suspected earnings from gambling and gift cards.
On the MGCB website, you can find fact sheets addressing illegal gambling and the usage of unregulated machines commonly associated with such activities. If you come across any suspicious or illegal gambling incidents, you can anonymously report them by dialing (888) 314-2682 for the MGCB’s 24-hour tip line or by sending an email to [email protected]
