Five People Enter in Guilty Pleas over Illegal Gambling in Michigan

Last month we reported that an operation against illegal gambling in Michigan resulted in guilty pleas for two men. The illegal storefront casino case saw two men admit to operating a gambling venue in Flint without a license.

Now, in another case from Flint, five defendants pleaded guilty to their involvement in the operation of an illegal gambling outlet.

Illegal Gambling Venue on Fenton Road in Flint Results in Guilty Pleas

The state’s gambling regulator, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), together with the Michigan Department of Attorney General confirmed Monday that five individuals entered into guilty pleas over operating Hot Spot Skill Arcade, a gambling den without a license, located on 5542 Fenton Road in Flint. The list of defendants includes a 48-year-old Holly resident identified with the initials M.B. and a 52-year-old Ortonville resident identified with the initials J.L.

Besides the two men, three women were also named defendants in the illegal gambling case. As a result, a 57-year-old Fenton woman with the initials C.T., a 58-year-old Holly resident identified as M.T. and a 64-year-old Flint woman with the initials V.A. also faced charges.

The two men, M.B. and J.L. each pleaded guilty to one count of operating a gambling business without a license. On the other hand, each of the three women pleaded guilty to one high court misdemeanor charge of maintaining a gambling house for profit. The charges the two men are facing are recognized as felonies while the charges the women pleaded guilty to are classified as misdemeanors.

In light of the guilty pleas, the defendants are set to appear back in court for their sentencing on December 2 at 9 AM in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court.

Another Successful Operation Against Illegal Gambling Is Completed

The joint efforts of the MGCB and law enforcement helped bring down the unlawful gambling operation that took place at Fenton Road. At Hot Spot, the defendants enabled visitors to gamble via computers.

Each gambler won points which were later redeemed by the venue as Visa gift cards. Some 41 computers offering popular “pig” games that provide entertainment similar to slot gambling were uncovered at the illegal venue.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s investigation into the unauthorized and unlicensed Hot Spot storefront casino in Flint underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding gaming laws and ensuring fair play.“

Henry Williams, executive director at the MGCB

Henry Williams, MGCB’s executive director, spoke about the importance of this investigation that helped bring down an illegal gambling outlet.  The executive thanked the Attorney General, Dana Nessel, and her dedicated team of experts who played a key role in the latest case. Finally, Williams said that the upcoming sentencing will help further protect the integrity of the gambling vertical in Michigan while ensuring the effective enforcement of the gaming regulations.