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Dec 19, 2023

Michigan Illegal Gambling Raid Leads to Seizure of 50 Devices

Posted on: August 30, 2023, 08:36h. Last updated on: August 31, 2023, 12:47h. Last week’s search of an illicit gaming operation in Flint, Michigan, led officials to confiscate numerous pieces of

Posted on: August 30, 2023, 08:36h.

Last updated on: August 31, 2023, 12:47h.

Last week’s search of an illicit gaming operation in Flint, Michigan, led officials to confiscate numerous pieces of equipment and cash.

Investigators last Wednesday took 48 computers from the Corunna Road storefront space identified as the “Flint Arcade.”

They were used in games similar to slot machines. Also seized were two gaming machines, as well as $13,260 in cash.

The court-ordered search took place after an investigation by the office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, D, and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Also taking part were the Michigan State Police, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and Flint Police Department officers.

“Storefront casinos and illegal gambling pose significant risks to communities, both socially and economically,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement.

Since they can often attract criminal activity and draw customers away from legitimate businesses that positively contribute to the local economy, it is essential that these types of operations get shut down to prevent customers from falling prey to fraudulent schemes and protect them from potential harm.”

The same location was raided by authorities over a year ago, on August 18, 2022, after a similar investigation.

During the earlier inquiry, the operation was called the “Cellular Vault” — or known simply by local residents as “the Vault.”

That raid led to the seizure of 43 computers. They were used for illicit gaming. Authorities also took $2,572.48 in cash from the site.

The gambling business was shuttered following the 2022 search.

But local residents let the MGCB know the Flint Arcade had taken its place. It, too, was the site of illicit gambling involving slot-style games, authorities said.

Last August, the MGCB also raided another storefront operation in Flint called the “Cellular Bank.” Investigators confiscated 11 standalone slot machines and 13 computers from the space.

The computers were used to play slot-style games, according to the MGCB. The raid also led to the seizure of about $7,500 in cash.

Business records also were seized from Cellular Bank, as well as from the Vault.

Players at Cellular Bank were given a card with a PIN. That let them wager online from offsite locations, the MGCB revealed.

In addition, on April 27, 2022, state investigators removed 100 devices, $29,200 in cash, and numerous gift cards found at alleged storefront gaming venues in Michigan.

The outlets were identified as the State Road Spot in Davison and the Bristol Spot in Burton.

Both criminal charges and/or fines are possible against the recent operators.

The agency is dedicated to helping communities statewide remove gaming machines used for gambling from storefront operations, gas stations, and convenience stores, and we encourage residents to call us with tips,” Williams said.

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