DETROIT — State investigators seized 56 gaming machines and more than $12,700 in alleged illegal gambling profits during recent raids in Southeast Michigan.
According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the raids took place at Redford Township, Taylor and Allen Park gas stations and a Flint-area store on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29.
Specifically, investigations targeted alleged illegal gambling at gas stations located at:
- 25845 Eight Mile Road in Redford Township
- 8808 Pelham Road in Taylor
- 19350 Ecorse Road in Allen Park
- The Hot Spot, 5542 Fenton Road, in Mundy Township.
Investigators removed one gaming machine from each gas station and 53 machines from the Mundy Township storefront. Machines seized included one slot-style gaming machine and two so-called “coin pushers”.
State officials seized $3,295 from inside the coin-pusher machines and $290 from inside the slot-style gaming machine, according to a news release.
The Mundy Township storefront allegedly offered customers opportunities to play casino-style games in conjunction with a purchase of overpriced snacks and merchandise.
Customers allegedly received so-called “promotional” game play by making purchases and received cash awards for winning. A total of $9,141 in alleged gaming-related cash was seized.
“We’ve seen an increasing number of complaints about alleged illegal gambling, and we appreciate the help received from citizens who call our tip line at 888-314-2682,” said Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director.
“The MGCB works closely with local law enforcement agencies to investigate alleged illegal gambling locations, which do not provide the protections associated with legal, regulated gaming and can bring unwanted crime to neighborhoods.”
The Allen Park Police Department, Redford Township Police Department and Michigan State Police assisted with executing the search warrants.