Detroit, February 12, 2020 — More than a dozen businesses were issued cease-and-desist orders to stop offering illegal gambling games during 2019 through a joint enforcement effort by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office and the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
“Illegal gambling can lead to money laundering and other crimes that impact the safety and security of Michigan communities,” said Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director. “Legal gambling is taxed and regulated, and taxes go back into the community as funding for K-12 education. An illegal gambling operation doesn’t support the community but instead siphons funds away from it.”
MGCB investigators visited 14 businesses that claimed to operate redemption games, which are legal in Michigan. Investigators determined the locations instead were offering casino-style video slot machines for patrons’ use. Outcomes on these types of machines are based on chance and not on skill.
When given the opportunity to cease operations, each location chose to close rather than face potential criminal charges, Kalm said. An unlicensed gambling business operator can face a 10-year felony charge.
“Gambling regulations are in place for a reason, and when bad actors choose to ignore the law, they must be held accountable,” Nessel said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with our partners at the Michigan Gaming Control Board in putting a stop to these illegal operations.”
The locations ordered in 2019 to cease offering illegal gambling games by county are:
Kent County
The Nudgemaster Café, 3514 Plainfield Ave., Grand Rapids
Lapeer County
Fortunes Skilled Gaming Lounge, 1777 South Cedar St., Imlay City
Atlantis Internet Café, 759 East St., Lapeer
Jackpot Island Café, 700 S. Main St., Lapeer
Genesee County
Burton Redemption Center, 5515 Davison Road, Burton
Monte Carlo Café, 723 South State Road, Davison
Macomb County
Jewlz Haven, 66783 Gratiot, Richmond
Spinners 777, 43648 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights
Lucky’s Skill Game Café, 66830 Van Dyke, Washington Township
Oakland County
Internet Café, 290 South Telegraph, Pontiac
Lucky’s 7160 Highland Road, Waterford
Bingo City, 4443 Dixie Highway, Waterford
Waterford Redemption Center, 3687 Highland Road, Waterford
Washtenaw County
Stoney Creek Internet Café, 2040 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti
Recognize and report illegal gambling
The MGCB offers a guide on internet cafes and cyber cafes on its website, www.michigan.gov/mgcb.
Michigan residents can report illegal or suspicious gambling activity anonymously by calling 888-314-2682.
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."