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 conducted by the MGCB in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Attorney General and investigators from the Lansing Police Department.
Law enforcement officers confiscated over 80 machines and approximately $90,000 in alleged gambling earnings.
Where the raids took place
On February 28th, a search warrant was carried out at Bourbon Street, situated in the Logan Square Shopping Center at 3222 South Martin Luther King Blvd. 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.
In a press release, Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB, expressed the board’s dedication to assisting communities throughout the state in eradicating illegal gambling machines. Additionally, he conveyed the board’s satisfaction in offering support to the Lansing Police Department for their ongoing investigation.
In October, the Lansing Police Department reached out to the MGCB for support in their investigation of reported gambling activities at two establishments. The police revealed that various gambling machines were accessible for customers to engage with at the Logan Square and South Cedar Street venues.
In the statement, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor expressed concern about unregulated and illegal gambling operations in the city. He emphasized the negative impact they have on neighborhoods and business areas by inviting crime. The mayor assured that every effort is being made to identify and permanently close these illegal establishments. He expressed gratitude towards the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Attorney General, and other state agencies for their collaboration with the Lansing Police Department to ensure the safety of residents by shutting down these illegal operations.
What was seized
During the Logan Square raid, authorities seized a variety of gambling machines, including 28 full-size slot machines, one virtual blackjack table, and several other casino-style games. In total, 62 machines were confiscated from the site.
A total of 13 large slot machines and seven additional gambling games were seized during the raid conducted at the South Cedar Street premises.
As a result of the two investigations, a sum of $91,532 in suspected gambling proceeds was confiscated, along with a total of 82 machines.
Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee emphasized the significance of partnerships in law enforcement, stating, “Collaboration is crucial in effectively combating crime. The successful outcome of this intricate investigation exemplifies the fruitful cooperation between Lansing Police, MGCB, and the Attorney General.”
Not the first time Lansing has been raided
Lansing’s track record with illegal gambling has been less than ideal.
During the summer of 2018, a store in the Logan Square shopping center became the center of attention when a group of five women were accused of running an illicit gambling operation.
The business owner admitted guilt to a felony charge of running a gambling operation, resulting in a prison sentence.
Four individuals who share the same position as her admitted their guilt to lesser offenses.
At the location, a sum of $67,000 was forfeited to the state, alongside the discovery of 60 gaming terminals.
Crackdown on pushers
In the beginning of this year, the MGCB initiated a strict action against illicit and unregistered gaming machines.
One significant aspect of the crackdowns were the presence of “pushers,” which are machines that can be found at nearby gas stations. These machines feature a platform on which a variety of coins or prizes are positioned, gradually moving towards the consumer. By adding tokens or coins to the platform, individuals aim to push a prize over the edge.
Using actual currency as the reward renders the machines illegal.
The Dearborn Press & Guide reported that a staggering 1,033 illegal gambling machines were confiscated in 2021 as a result of 41 search warrants, resulting in a significant sum of over $248,000 in cash.
A fact sheet regarding Michigan law and another fact sheet regarding unregulated machines used for illegal gambling are published by the MGCB. Michigan residents are urged to report any suspicious or unlawful gambling activities by dialing 888-314-2682, the MGCB’s 24-hour anonymous tip line.
