The Michigan Gaming Control Board continues to crack down on illegal gambling in the state as part of ongoing efforts to reduce criminal endeavors of this nature within its borders.
In August, the MGCB seized a total of 50 gambling devices as well as over $10,000 in illegal gambling proceeds from a casino that was operating under the name of "The Flint Arcade," the same location that was raided a year ago.
Michigan, which enjoys a very healthy regulated casino and sports betting market, is clearly keen to put an end to these operations. Those seeking out licensed, regulated options, rather than taking the needless risk of unregulated, potentially criminally financed alternatives, should take a look at this helpful Michigan casinos guide for all the most useful and insightful information on those worthy of your business.
The MGCB is fighting the fight when it comes to removing these illegal operations in Michigan, not just due to the criminal nature of the undertaking itself but also the resulting issues that these operations bring to the city as a whole.
The executive director of the MGCB, Henry Williams, recently met with the mayor of Flint, Sheldon Neeley, to work out ways of further battling the issue of illegal gambling.
"As a regulator, it’s important to me to have face-to-face conversations with area leaders so that we can share our knowledge and gain a more comprehensive understanding of illegal gaming issues, especially from their local perspective," Williams stated. "I look forward to working with Mayor Neeley on the city’s efforts to prevent individuals from reopening a place of business under a new name in a location that was previously cited for illegal gaming operation concerns, minimize risks to his community from such establishments, and help protect Flint residents from harm.
"I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Mayor Neeley and Rep. [Cynthia] Neeley in Flint and to share information with him about how the MGCB can assist with investigations and raids on alleged illegal gaming operations."
Mayor Neeley also commented on the partnership with the MGCB.
"It is important to protect the Flint community from predatory illegal gaming operations, and I thank Director Williams for his continued partnership in this effort," he said. "These unwelcome operations threaten public safety by creating environments where other criminal activity can thrive."
"By working together to implement comprehensive measures — from strengthening laws and regulatory frameworks to raising awareness about the issue of illegal gaming machines — we can help reduce the prevalence of illegal gaming in our communities," Neeley added.
"I look forward to continuing this conversation with MGCB Executive Director Williams and appreciate the time he took to visit Flint and discuss this important issue, and I will do what I can to help advance any necessary changes to the law in my capacity serving with the Michigan Legislature."
The push to remove illegal activities in the state is clearly working, as evidenced by the figures shown in terms of successful MGCB investigations from 2015 to 2023, during which 1,195 illegal machines and $470,401.98 were seized.
On top of this, since last November, 48 locations were handed cease-and-desist letters involving a total of 105 illegal machines.
This article is in partnership with Bazoom Group.