[NEWS RELEASE] Investigators seize alleged illegal gaming equipment at Belleville gas station

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: MGCB-Media@michigan.gov

Investigators seize alleged illegal gaming equipment at Belleville gas station

DETROIT, June 28, 2023 — On Thursday, June 22, following a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), state investigators, with the assistance of the Belleville Police Department, seized an alleged illegal gambling machine from a Sunoco gas station located at 496 Main St. in Belleville.

A coin-pusher machine was confiscated after persons in charge at the Sunoco failed to comply with a cease-and-desist letter personally served on March 8.

“Illegal gambling can lead to other, more serious, unwanted crimes that compromise the safety of our communities,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “This investigation is a firm reminder that business owners should abide by the law and not offer illegal gaming in their establishments and, if they do, we are prepared to take action against them.”

The investigation began after the MGCB received anonymous tips from concerned Michigan citizens.

The Michigan Penal Code broadly prohibits any kind of gambling except for what is authorized by law. Potential consequences for Michigan businesses operating illegal gaming machines include criminal charges and/or monetary fines.

“I am grateful for the collaboration between my department and the Michigan Gaming Control Board in furtherance of our efforts to shutter illegal gambling operations,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Illegal gambling diverts taxes and revenue from our communities which is otherwise used to support our state and schools.”

The MGCB is committed to helping communities statewide remove illegal gambling machines from storefront operations, gas stations, and convenience stores. The agency publishes fact sheets about Michigan law and unregulated machines on its website and gives businesses who violate the law opportunities to comply before authorities become involved and have to confiscate equipment and money collected from the illegal operation.

Michigan residents can report illegal or suspicious gambling activity anonymously by calling the 24-hour tipline at 1-888-314-2682 or by sending a message (not anonymous) to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov. Written tips can also be anonymously submitted to the MGCB using an online form located under the “Report Illegal or Suspicious Gambling Activity” link of the Resources section on the homepage of the agency’s website at Michigan.gov/MGCB.

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If someone has a gambling problem, please 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. You also may visit the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database. Also, visit DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to help citizens game responsibly.

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. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.

• 2023.06.28-PR-Belleville_Sunoco.pdf