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Two Jackson County men have been sentenced for operating an illegal gambling business in violation of Michigan gaming laws, the Michigan Gaming Control Board announced Monday.
Samir Naim Musharbash and Naim Samir Musharbash each pled guilty on April 1 to one felony count of Gambling Operations. The charges were tied to an unlicensed gambling venue known as “Spin to Win,” located at 2816 E. Ganson Street in Jackson.
The Great Lakes State takes illegal gambling extremely seriously. It offers legal sports betting and online casinos, along with 26 retail casinos, with 23 of them tribal properties.
Men given probation
On July 23, both men were sentenced in Jackson County’s 4th Circuit Court to 24 months of probation. They also received 180-day jail sentences, which were suspended. In addition, they must pay the following fines:
- $68 in state costs
- $130 in crime victim rights fees
- $150 in fines
- $60 DNA fee
- $150 in court costs
All gambling equipment and funds seized in the investigation were forfeited.
The case began after the MGCB’s Criminal Investigations Section, working with the Michigan Department of the Attorney General, the Blackman Township Department of Public Safety, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, executed a search warrant at Spin to Win on Oct. 6, 2021.
Investigators seized 17 standalone slot-style gaming machines, multiple computer towers and monitors used for internet-based slot-style games, and $7,986 in cash.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said it’s vital to eliminate illegal gambling.
“This case highlights the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts to shut down illegal gambling operations that undermine the integrity of Michigan’s gaming laws.
“We remain committed to protecting Michigan residents by enforcing regulations that ensure all gaming is fair, legal, and authorized.”
A third defendant, Spin to Win employee Kyle Schrotenboer, was also charged in connection with the case. Schrotenboer pled guilty on March 10 to one count of Keeping a Gambling House. On May 14, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail, ordered to pay $75 in crime victim fees, and $500 in fines and costs.
Crackdown on illegal gambling
The MGCB isn’t afraid to bring the hammer down, whether illegal gambling takes place online or in-person. The board most recently sent cease-and-desist orders to 26 operators in two separate sweeps.
In December 2024, a father and son were sentenced for their roles in an illegal gambling operation in Michigan. Michigan State Police, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department led raids at two spots in Burton and Davison that were housing roughly 100 gambling devices, nearly $30,000 in illegal gaming profits, and other gambling materials.
The MGCB also uncovered illegal gambling at the Red Horse Bar in Saginaw. Authorities confiscated the following materials:
- Suspected gambling proceeds of $5,161
- Six slot-style gaming machines
- Gift cards totaling $2,820
There was another case the MGCB solved in Flint concerning two dozen unsanctioned gambling devices.
