The Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Attorney General’s office shut down 14 illegal gambling operations last year.
The MGCB has been in the process of rolling out legal sports betting in the state and has been cracking down on illegal gambling operations.
The brunt of these illegal businesses were promoting legal redemption games but the MGCB determined that they were instead video slot machines. The slot machines were determined to be games of chance instead of skill.
Statement by Michigan Gaming Control Board and AG
Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Richard Kalm and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel both spoke on the matter in a statement.
“Illegal gambling can lead to money laundering and other crimes that impact the safety and security of Michigan communities,” Kalm said. “Legal gambling is taxed and regulated, and taxes go back into the community as funding for K-12 education. An illegal gambling operation doesn’t support the community but instead siphons funds away from it.”
All 14 businesses opted to close their doors instead of facing a 10-year felony charge.
“Gambling regulations are in place for a reason, and when bad actors choose to ignore the law, they must be held accountable,” Nessel said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with our partners at the Michigan Gaming Control Board in putting a stop to these illegal operations.”
Locations
Here are the operations that were shut down.
The Nudgemaster Café in Grand Rapids.
Fortunes Skilled Gaming Lounge in Imlay City.
Atlantis Internet Café in Lapeer.
Jackpot Island Café in Lapeer.
Burton Redemption Center in Burton.
Monte Carlo Café in Davison.
Jewlz Haven in Richmond.
Spinners in Sterling Heights.
Lucky’s Skill Game Café in Washington Township.
Internet Café in Pontiac.
Lucky’s in Waterford.
Bingo City in Waterford.
Waterford Redemption Center in Waterford.
Stoney Creek Internet Café in Ypsilanti.
