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Two Georgia residents, James and Laura Stiles, were sentenced to one year of probation on July 13 in Genesee County’s 7th Circuit Court after pleading guilty to maintaining an illegal gambling house for gain. It was tied to an illegal storefront casino operation in Flint that had reopened under a new name after an earlier raid.
Michigan has always been an aggressive state in weeding out illegal gambling. The state offers legal Michigan real money online casinos, sports wagering, poker and retail properties.
Sentencing details
Judge Elizabeth Kelly handed down the sentence following a joint investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Both defendants were ordered to pay $500 in fines and costs, a $130 crime victim fee, $68 in state costs, and a $30 oversight fee.
Each pled guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain. Mr. Stiles received nine days of jail credit while Mrs. Stiles received five.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement:
“This case shows what happens when an illegal gambling operation tries to hide behind a new name and a new sign.
“Our partnership with the Attorney General’s Office and the City of Flint made sure this location couldn’t simply reopen and continue operating outside the law.”
How the case unfolded
The case began with an investigation in August 2022 at The Cellular Vault, a business operating out of 3301 Corunna Road, based on suspected illegal gaming. The search netted 43 computers used for gambling and $2,572.48 in proceeds.
The business shut down. However, the MGCB got an anonymous tip that the establishment reopened under a new name, offering slot-style machines. The City of Flint filed a complaint seeking abatement of the building. Then a settlement was reached in May 2024.
The Michigan Penal Code broadly prohibits gambling except what is authorized by law. Noncompliant people can face criminal charges and monetary fines.
Michigan’s history of finding illegal gambling
Michigan is one of the toughest states in dealing with illegal gambling. MGCB Chief of Staff Kurt Steinkamp spoke to the success of the board in October 2025:
“The reason that we’re succeeding is that we’re very public about it. The state not only issues a press release along with each letter, it maintains a public list of the offending companies.”
Most recently, a 32-year-old Grand Rapids man was sentenced for operating a gambling house for gain. The man took a plea deal, which dropped the charges to a misdemeanor, resulting in a fine.
Michigan residents witnessing illegal gambling can call a 24-hour anonymous tipline at 1-888-314-2682 or send a message to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov, which can be anonymous if requested.
