[NEWS RELEASE] Bridgeport Township raid yields numerous gambling devices, thousands in cash, more than $180K in gift cards confiscated

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

Bridgeport Township raid yields numerous gambling devices, thousands in cash, more than $180K in gift cards confiscated

DETROIT, Oct. 23, 2023 — On Wednesday, Oct. 18, state investigators executed two search warrants following a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) that yielded the confiscation of six slot-type gaming machines — four of which were Nudgemaster machines, 11 computers, $6,306 in suspected gambling proceeds, and $182,430 in Simon Giftcards.

Assisted by special agents from the Department of Attorney General, along with the Bridgeport Township Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Liquor Control Commission, authorities conducted one search at the PlayStation Bar and Grill, located at 6154 Dixie Highway in Bridgeport Township, and a second search at a residence in Goodrich that was associated with the owner of the PlayStation and Universal Video, Inc. — a known supplier of Nudgemaster machines.

“Business owners who house illegal, unregulated gaming machines in their establishments are breaking the law, creating opportunities for increased crime in communities, and allowing unnecessary consumer risk to those who use the machines, which do not meet the stringent regulatory requirements needed to ensure fair play,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “The public is encouraged to contact us if they see a casino-type gaming machine in a restaurant, gas station, or convenience store. We investigate every tip and work hard to protect Michigan citizens from such crime in their neighborhoods.”

The searches in Bridgeport Township and Goodrich were spurred by an anonymous tip submitted by a concerned citizen who saw Nudgemaster casino-style gaming machines at the PlayStation Bar and Grill and suspected illegal gambling was taking place there. MGCB staff investigated and noticed that some of the video slot-type gaming machines were tagged with “Property of Universal Video” stickers. This led them to request the second search warrant at the PlayStation owner’s residence and the location of Universal Video, Inc.

“Our department works hand in hand with the Michigan Gaming Control Board in our efforts to shut down illegal gaming operations as a matter of public safety and consumer protection,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Illegal gambling diverts revenues from our state and schools, and these operations can pose a danger to their neighborhoods as they typically attract other types of criminal activity.”

The PlayStation Bar and Grill owner previously owned a business in Grand Rapids named the Nudgemaster Café that received a cease-and-desist letter in October 2019. No arrests were made following the execution of the search warrants in Bridgeport and Goodrich.

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. 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, and DontRegretTheBet.org for additional tools to 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.

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• 2023.10.23-PR-PlayStation-Bar-and-Grill.pdf