A pair of Aug. 18 raids at alleged storefront casinos in Flint led to the confiscation of 67 devices and $10,141 in suspected gambling proceeds and gift cards.
State investigators confiscated 11 video slot machines and 56 computers allegedly used for illegal gambling, as well as the cash, in the raids, which took place at The Cellular Vault and Cellular Bank.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced the raids Tuesday in a press release. They were part of a joint investigation by the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General and the MGCB.
State investigators raid two alleged Flint storefront casinos
The MGCB referred to the two stores as “freestanding businesses” in the release. Cellular Vault is located at 3301 Corunna Road, and Cellular Bank is located at 4622 Saginaw St., both in Flint.
Thirty-nine computers used for slot-style games were found at Cellular Vault. Cellular Bank contained 11 standalone slot machines and 13 computers used for slot-style games. The release said Cellular Bank also “provided patrons a card with a PIN, allowing them to wager online from offsite locations such as their residences.”
“The MGCB received several anonymous tips regarding both Flint locations, and we thank the public for their help in rooting out possible illegal gambling activities,” MBCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in the release. “Patrons at alleged storefront casinos do not have access to the consumer protections required for legal, regulated gambling. The operations also can draw other types of crime to the surrounding neighborhoods.”
April investigation of alleged storefront casinos still open
This past April, 100 devices used for gambling and $29,200 in suspected gambling profits were removed from alleged storefront casinos in Davison and Burton.
The State Road Spot in Davison and The Bristol Spot in Burton each remain under investigation.
The MGCB publishes fact sheets about Michigan law and unregulated machines used for illegal gambling. Michigan citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal gambling by calling the MGCB’s 24-hour, anonymous tip line at (888) 314-2682.
