The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced Tuesday the seizure of more than 50 alleged gambling machines and $12,700 in alleged illegal gambling profits from four late-September raids.
Joint investigations between the MGCB and the Michigan Attorney General’s office led to the raids, which took place Sept. 28 and 29 in Redford Twp., Taylor, Allen Park and Mundy Twp.
“We’ve seen an increasing number of complaints about alleged illegal gambling, and we appreciate the help received from citizens who call our tip line at 888-314-2682,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a release. “The MGCB works closely with local law enforcement agencies to investigate alleged illegal gambling locations, which do not provide the protections associated with legal, regulated gaming and can bring unwanted crime to neighborhoods.”
56 alleged gaming machines, $12K in alleged profits seized
A total of 56 alleged gaming machines were seized in the raids, 53 of which came from the Mundy location.
The four locations were at 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., located at 5542 Fenton Road.
It was alleged The Hot Spot was offering customers the opportunity to play casino-style games “in conjunction with a purchase of overpriced snacks and merchandise,” according to the release. The store was also alleged to be giving promotional play to customers for purchases and cash rewards for winning.
There was $9,141 in alleged gaming-related cash seized at the store.
One slot-style gaming machine and two “coin pushers” were seized from the Redford, Taylor and Allen Park locations, which were all gas stations. State officials seized $3,295 from the coin pushers, and $290 from the slot-style machine.
The Allen Park Police Department, Redford Township Police Department and Michigan State Police assisted with executing the search warrants.
MGCB cracking down on illegal gambling efforts
The raids took place about a month after a pair of raids on alleged storefront casinos in the Flint area.
Those raids led to the confiscation of 67 alleged gambling machines and $10,141 in suspected gambling profits and gift cards.
The MGCB website features a fact sheets about illegal gambling and unregulated machines often used for illegal gambling. Citizens can report suspicious or illegal gambling activity by calling the MGCB’s 24-hour anonymous tip line at (888) 314-2682 or by emailing [email protected].
