September 24, 2015
Saline gaming supplier forfeits license
Detroit – Millionaire parties will cease Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Ledge Meadows Poker Room, 1801 E. Grand River, Grand Ledge, after the Michigan Gaming Control Board discovered illegal payments between the poker room and Saline-based supplier 1 Eyed Jack Gaming Supplies, L.L.C.
“Ledge Meadows acted like a casino by accepting gambling profits from the supplier,” said MGCB Executive Director Richard Kalm. “The supplier and location made an illegal deal, allowing the location to skirt state law.”
1 Eyed Jack Gaming Supplies will avoid a license suspension and license revocation hearing by agreeing to surrender its license voluntarily.
The MGCB was told Ledge Meadows Poker Room was donating space to nonprofits for millionaire parties. An MGCB investigation found the supplier acted as a pass-through agent for payments to the location.
“Many people urged the MGCB to clean up millionaire parties, but they said we wouldn’t find any violations at Ledge Meadows Poker Room,” Kalm said. “That has proven untrue.”
The supplier also was cited for two other Bingo Act violations in the past two years:
“The supplier repeatedly ignored state law, and his illegal actions show a lack of concern for the charities he was supposed to assist,” Kalm said.
Under the Bingo Act, charities may qualify for a license to manage casino-style charity gaming events, or millionaire parties, up to four times a year. The MGCB also licenses gaming suppliers, who provide dealers and authorized gaming equipment. The MGCB has shut down gaming at 23 other locations since 2012.
Charities may visit the millionaire party page on the MGCB website for a list of licensed millionaire party suppliers or call 313-456-4940 for assistance finding a supplier for future events.
Currently, there are 48 licensed gaming suppliers, and millionaire parties occur regularly at 49 locations in Michigan.
"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."
