Illegal Gambling Operation Busted in MI
Crime pays: three individuals have been arrested and sentenced in Michigan for running an illegal gambling operation. The charges were initially filed on June 8th, 2022, as part of a joint investigation by the Michigan Department Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The illegal operation took place in Waterford County and has since shut.
Three individuals have been arrested and sentenced in Michigan for running an illegal gambling operation as part of a joint investigation by the Michigan Department Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board. ©geniuserp/Pixabay
Sentences Carried Maximum Penalties of Two Days in Jail, Plus Fines
Bad news for illegal gambling in Michigan: it has been revealed that three people have been arrested and sentenced in Michigan for planning and operating an illegal gambling operation. The charges in question were initially filed in the case on June 8th, 2022, as part of a joint collaborative investigative effort by the Michigan Department Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
The illegal operation in question was taking place at the Fortune Internet Café, 3474 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, located in Michigan’s Waterford County, and the whole endeavor has naturally since been shut.
The people who are being sentenced are Shelly Ann Leinenger, who pleaded guilty to one felony count of gambling operations and was sentenced to one day in jail with credit for one day and was fined $1,000. There was also Stacey Lynn Houstina, who pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of maintaining a gambling house for gain and sentenced to one day in jail with credit for one day, and fined $250.
Finally, Shannon Leigh Molina also admitted guilty to one misdemeanor count of maintaining a gambling house for gain. She was ultimately sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days, as well as being fined $500.
All Money Brought in by Illegal Gaming Operations Ordered to be Forfeited to State of Michigan
The admittedly harsh jail sentences and hefty fines weren’t the end for the people accused of running an illegal gambling operation in Waterford County, Michigan, as all three defendants were also ordered to pay a further $258 each in fees and court costs.
Lucky for the state, all money brought in via the illegal operation was forced to be forfeited over to the state of Michigan. What this actually looked like was $3,022 in cash and gift cards, 32 slot-style computers, and two slot-style gaming machines.
Henry Williams, who is the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s executive director – one of the bodies which participated in the investigation against the three women accused of running illegal gambling ventures – reminded onlookers that illegal is bereft of any of the consumer protections legalized gaming has to offer:
“An unregulated gaming operation offers no controls to protect the public, often targets senior citizens and low-income areas and can bring unwanted crime to a community. The Michigan Gaming Control Board and Michigan Department of Attorney General work closely to investigate and eliminate gambling enterprises operating outside of Michigan law.”– Henry Williams, Executive Director, Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), Press Release
Michigan Police Seized Illegal Slot Machines Back in August 2022
In other recent illegal gambling in Michigan news, state authorities confiscated 67 gambling machines and over $10,000 in cash back in August 2022, after they completed raids on two alleged illegal gambling operations situated in the city of Flint.
The two locations in question, The Cellular Vault and Cellular Bank, saw law enforcement investigators seize a considerable amount of illegal contraband: 11 video slot machines, 56 computers, and $10,141 worth of alleged gambling proceeds and gift cards.
The fruitful operation and raid once again came as a result of joint investigations into the two operations by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). One of the locations, Cellular Bank, had even gone so far as to sell patrons a card with a PIN number, which allowed them the ability to bet online from unlicensed offsite locations, such as from the comfort of their own homes.
Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) executive director Henry Williams thanked the public’s anonymous information for tipping them off on the illegal operations, noting that the presence of such illegal businesses often brings along with it further crime:
“The MGCB received several anonymous tips regarding both Flint locations, and we thank the public for their help in rooting out possible illegal gambling activities. Patrons at alleged storefront casinos do not have access to the consumer protections required for legal, regulated gambling. The operations also can draw other types of crime to the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Evolution Announced Launch of iGaming Product in Michigan in June 2022
Thanks to an agreement with Soaring Eagle Gaming, major iGaming provider Evolution announced back in June 2022 that it was finally bringing its popular online casino content with the help of its Evolution, NetEnt and Red Tiger brands.
Additionally, Evolution’s selection of slot games and jackpots are also up for grabs, featuring such well-known titles such as “Gonzo’s Quest Megaways”, “Piggy Riches Megaways”, while its NetEnt brand will offer titles such as “Divine Fortune Megaways”, “Fruit Shop Megaways” and “Starbust”.
CEO of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Melinda Coffin, claimed that both new and long-time Soaring Eagle fans will find plenty to relate to in Evolution’s offerings:
“In table games alone, Soaring Eagle prides itself on offering the hottest gaming action in the Midwest. Now our players will be able to experience the same thrill online, not only playing the casino classics but also exciting and entertaining game show-style games. We are confident that customers old and new are going to love what is the latest in a long line of Soaring Eagle developments.”
