The Michigan Gaming Control Board has announced that state investigators seized 56 illegal gambling machines and over $12,700 in alleged illegal gambling profits during raids on September 28th and 29th at Redford Township, Taylor and Allen Park gas stations and a Flint-area store.
Speaking of the raids, Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director said:
“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. 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.”
The seized machines included a slot-style gaming machine and ‘coin pusher’ machines. State officials seized $3,295 from coin pushers alone. The Mundy Township storefront is alleged to have offered customers opportunities to gamble through casino-style games. These were offered as ‘free’ games for customers who purchased overpriced items. A total of $9,141 in alleged gaming-related profits was seized from the storefront.
Michigan’s gambling regulator is in the midst of a crackdown on illegal gambling machines and activity in a bid to protect the income of commercial casinos within the state. In August, the three Detroit casinos reported $106.14 million AGR in August.
Reporter & gambling industry analyst covering the land-based and online casino industry in the United States.
