Michigan Authorities Raid Another Flint Business

Michigan authorities have confiscated and raided an alleged illegal gambling operation in Flint for the second time.

According to a press release by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), Michigan’s gaming authority, the Michigan Department of Attorney General, with the assistance of Michigan State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Flint Police Department, executed a search warrant at The Flint Arcade. 

The Flint Arcade, located at 3301 Corunna Road in Flint, was under investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the MGCB after several anonymous tips were received from concerned Michigan citizens. 

Sound familiar? 

If the address or this story sounds familiar, it’s because the same location was raided last year! Last year, on August 18th, 2022, the Michigan Attorney General’s office and the MGCB investigated The Cellular Vault, located at the same store and address. That time resulted in government officials seizing 43 computers used for gambling and over $2,572 in winnings and gambling proceeds. Locals referred to the local illegal gambling business as “The Vault.”  

On Wednesday evening, August 23rd, 2023, state officials and local police executed the search warrant for The Flint Arcade for alleged illegal gambling operations. 

State officials confiscated 48 computers that were used for slot-style games. Two additional non-slot gaming machines were also seized, as well as $13,260 in suspected gambling proceeds, according to the MGCB.

What Officials Had to Say

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams commented on the situation, stating, “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.” 

Chapter XLIV of the Michigan Penal Code details the state’s restrictions on illegal gambling. According to the MGCB, the state’s Penal Code, “broadly prohibits any kind of gambling except for what is authorized by law, with potential consequences for Michigan businesses operating illegal gaming machines including criminal charges and/or monetary fines.”

“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,” says Williams.

The state makes it easy to report illegal gambling by providing a 24-hour anonymous tipline at 1-888-314-2682. Michigan residents can also opt to send an email to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov. Tips received by email, however, are not anonymous. 

The MGCB also provides resources for businesses and residents alike on its website. For example, the MGCB has a fact sheet about laws and unregulated machines on its website. This pdf covers common myths that businesses will tell customers to convince them to play on illegal machines. The pdf also talks about the consumer impact of illegal gambling operations. According to the pdf, the MGCB has issued 41 search warrants and has seized more than 1033 machines and $248,518 in cash. 

If you have any questions about the MGCB or the recent raid in Flint, please contact the MGCB at 313-456-4100. And if you or someone you know is suffering from gambling addiction, call the state’s 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-800-270-7117 or the MGCB’s responsible gaming section at 1-888-223-3044.

Mac Daniel is a writer for PlayOnlineCasino and PlayOnlineSportsBetting. He has experience writing about a wide variety of topics, including healthcare, tourism, non-profit organizations, and most recently casino and sportsbetting news. To check out more of his work, visit: playonlinemichigan.com