After a detailed and carefully conducted investigation, the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) raided The Flint Arcade in Flint on the evening of August 23rd.
The raid:
With the help of the Michigan State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and Flint Police Department, the property at 3301 Corunna Road has been searched. On that occasion, 48 computers were taken, as well as two gaming machines and $13.260, the money suspected to have been taken during the illegal gambling activities. The confiscated machines were used for slot-style games, and supposedly illegal gambling activities have been recorded on them.
Henry Williams, the Executive Director at MGCB, said: “Storefront casinos and illegal gambling pose significant risks to communities, both socially and economically. 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.”
Same story, another casino:
This isn’t the first time the property has been searched. A year ago, the Michigan Attorney General issued a search warrant due to allegations that The Cellular Vault, the former business at the property, was included in illegal gaming activities. In that search, 43 computers were taken, as well as $2.572,48 of earned money. After the raid, The Cellular Vault was closed.
After the new casino was opened at the same property, the residents became worried, and an unknown person reached out to MGCB, claiming that the casino was the storefront and that only the name had changed. The customers got the same opportunity to play on slot-style gaming machines as before.
According to the Michigan Penal Code, all types of gambling are prohibited. Some exceptions are allowed, though, but only the ones authorized by law, which Flint isn’t. According to the state law, owning and operating illegal gaming machines can result in both criminal charges and/or monetary fines.
Williams commented on this: “The MGCB is committed to working with the proper authorities to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment for Michigan citizens. 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.”
The businesses that are allegedly guilty of breaches have the right to comply with the law before the authorities decide to confiscate their equipment and money.