50 Cash Gambling Machines At Flint Shopping District Casino
from web site
State investigators, aided by the Michigan State Police, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Flint Police Department, executed a search warrant at Flint Arcade, located at 3301 Coruna Road, Flint, on Wednesday evening, August 23, following a joint investigation by the Michigan Attorney General and the Michigan Game Control Board.
Authorities seized 48 computers used in slotted games and two gaming consoles allegedly used in illegal gambling, and an additional $13,260 in suspected gambling proceeds from the site.
"Storefront casinos and illegal gambling pose significant social and economic risks to the community," said Henry Williams, MGCB's executive director. "Because they can often attract criminal activity and draw customers away from legitimate businesses that positively contribute to the local economy, it is essential to shut down these types of operations to prevent customers from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and protect them from potential harm."
Sites like this one were previously issued a search warrant by the Michigan Attorney General's Office on Aug. 18, 2022, when the MGCB investigated suspected illegal games at The Cellular Vault, a business that was there at the time. The raid brought in 43 computers used for gambling, as well as $2,572.48 in gains and gambling revenue. And "The Vault," as is known locally, has ended.
However, since then, MGCB has received anonymous reports from worried Michigan citizens that a shopping district casino has reopened in the same location under the new business name Flint Arcade, where customers have been offered the opportunity to play on slot-style game consoles. The Michigan Criminal Code broadly prohibits gambling of any kind, except as permitted by law, and could have potential consequences for Michigan businesses to operate illegal game consoles, including criminal charges and/or fines.
Williams added, "MGCB is committed to working with the appropriate authorities to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment for Michigan citizens." "The agency is committed to helping communities across the state remove game consoles used for gambling from stores, gas stations and convenience stores, and encourages residents to call us with tips."
The agency must post fact sheets on its website about Michigan laws and unregulated machines, give law-breaking businesses a chance to comply before authorities intervene and confiscate equipment and money collected from illegal operations
