News Release: Alleged Lansing storefront casino locations’ games confiscated during joint Lansing-State of Michigan raids

Michigan Gaming Control Board sent this bulletin at 03/08/2022 09:30 AM EST

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Michigan Gaming Control Board

Contact: Mary Kay Bean, beanm1@michigan.gov

For Immediate Release:

Alleged Lansing storefront casino locations’ games confiscated during joint Lansing-State of Michigan raids

March 8, 2022 - Michigan Gaming Control Board assisted the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Lansing Police Department investigators with raids at two alleged storefront casinos in Lansing recently. A search warrant was executed Feb. 28 at Bourbon Street in the Logan Square Shopping Center, 3222 South Martin Luther King Blvd., and the second search warrant March 4 at 777 Games of Skill, 5031 South Cedar Street, Lansing.

“The MGCB is committed to helping communities statewide remove illegal gambling machines, and we are happy to support the Lansing Police Department in this investigation,” said Henry Williams, executive director, MGCB.

In October 2021, the Lansing Police Department contacted the MGCB seeking assistance in investigating alleged illegal gambling operations. Police officials said several types of gambling machines were available for patrons to play at the Logan Square and South Cedar Street locations.

“Unregulated, illegal gambling operations in Lansing invite crime into our neighborhoods and business corridors. We are doing all we can to identify these illegal establishments and shut them down permanently. I am thankful for the efforts of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the Attorney General, and other state agencies in working with the Lansing Police Department to shut down these illegal operations and keep our residents safe,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.

At Logan Square, there were 28 full-size slot machines, one virtual blackjack table and other casino-style games. The machines — 62 in all — were removed from the location. At the South Cedar Street location, there were 13 full-size slot machines and seven other gambling games. In total, 82 machines were removed along with $91,532 in suspected gambling proceeds as part of these two investigations.

“Partnerships in law enforcement are a large part of successful crime fighting. This investigation shows how the efforts of Lansing Police working with MGCB and the Attorney General bring success to a complex investigation,” said Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee.

In July 2018, a Lansing woman was sentenced to jail and four others pled guilty and received lesser sentences for conducting an illegal gambling operation in a store at the Logan Square shopping center.

The MGCB publishes a fact sheet about Michigan law and a separate fact sheet on unregulated machines used for illegal gambling. Michigan citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal gambling by calling the MGCB’s 24-hour anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682.

"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."

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