Two Alleged Storefront Casinos Raided In Lansing

“The cat is sitting on the mat.” <br><br>The mat is being sat on by the cat.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board recently conducted raids on two suspected storefront casinos in Lansing, as part of their ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling.

On February 28 and March 4, the raid of two locations was executed by the MGCB, in collaboration with investigators from the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Lansing Police Department.

Law enforcement officials confiscated more than 80 machines and an estimated $90,000 in alleged gambling profits.

Where the raids took place

On February 28th, a search warrant was carried out at 3222 South Martin Luther King Blvd., specifically at Bourbon Street within the Logan Square Shopping Center in Lansing.

On March 4, a search warrant was executed at 777 Games of Skill, which is situated at 5031 South Cedar Street in Lansing.

Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB, expressed the organization’s dedication to assisting communities across the state in eliminating illicit gambling machines. Williams further expressed the MGCB’s contentment in offering support to the Lansing Police Department during their investigation, as stated in a press release.

In October, the Lansing Police Department reached out to the MGCB for help in probing suspected gambling activities at two establishments. Authorities reported that both the Logan Square and South Cedar Street locations offered various gambling machines for patrons to engage with.

“In our neighborhoods and business corridors, unregulated and illegal gambling operations in Lansing attract criminal activity. We are actively working to identify and permanently close these illicit establishments. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor expressed gratitude towards the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Attorney General, and other state agencies for collaborating with the Lansing Police Department to shut down these unlawful operations and prioritize the safety of our residents,” according to the statement released by Mayor Andy Schor.

What was seized

During the Logan Square raid, a collection of 28 full-size slot machines, along with one virtual blackjack table and various other casino-style games, were confiscated. In total, 62 machines were seized from the premises.

Thirteen full-size slot machines and seven additional gambling games were confiscated during the raid conducted at the South Cedar Street premises.

A combined total of 82 machines and $91,532 in suspected gambling proceeds were seized during the course of the two investigations.

In the release, Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee emphasized the significance of partnerships in law enforcement for effective crime fighting. He highlighted how the collaboration between Lansing Police, MGCB, and the Attorney General led to success in a complex investigation.

Not the first time Lansing has been raided

In terms of illegal gambling, Lansing’s history has been less than ideal.

In the summer of 2018, a store in the Logan Square shopping center became the center of attention as five women were apprehended and accused of running an illicit gambling operation.

The business proprietor admitted guilt to a serious crime of operating a gambling enterprise and subsequently served a prison sentence.

Four individuals who share similar positions or roles as her have admitted their guilt to charges that are less severe.

At the location, a grand total of 60 gaming terminals were found, and an amount exceeding $67,000 was surrendered to the state.

Crackdown on pushers

Earlier this year, a crackdown on illegal and unlicensed gaming machines was enforced by the MGCB.

One of the prominent targets in the crackdowns were the machines known as “pushers,” which have been spotted at nearby gas stations. These machines feature a platform where a collection of coins or prizes is positioned, gradually moving towards the consumer. In an attempt to claim a prize, individuals add tokens or coins onto the platform, hoping to push a coveted item over the edge.

The usage of actual currency as a reward renders the machines unlawful.

In 2021, a staggering 1,033 illicit gambling machines were confiscated through the execution of 41 search warrants, as reported by the Dearborn Press & Guide. This significant haul amounted to an impressive sum of over $248,000 in cash.

The MGCB releases two fact sheets – one about Michigan law and another about unregulated machines employed for illegal gambling. Michigan residents are urged to report any dubious or unlawful gambling activities by dialing the MGCB’s anonymous tip line, available 24/7 at 888-314-2682.

This needs to be rewritten.