[NEWS RELEASE] Michigan Gaming Control Board, Department of Attorney General announce guilty pleas in illegal gambling operations case in Flint

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

Michigan Gaming Control Board, Department of Attorney General announce guilty pleas in illegal gambling operations case in Flint

DETROIT, Nov. 18, 2024 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and Michigan Department of Attorney General revealed today that five individuals recently entered guilty pleas in connection with an illegal gambling operation. A joint investigation conducted by both agencies uncovered that Hot Spot Skill Arcade, located at 5542 Fenton Road in Flint, lacked a gaming license and operated 41 computer gaming stations offering casino slot-style gambling—commonly known as “pig” games—on software provided by TS Trading Systems.

The five defendants included in this case and who worked at Hot Spot Skill Arcade are Michael Bixby, 48, of Holly, Jeffrey Ladd, 52, of Ortonville, Victoria Adams, 64, of Flint, Michelle Teall, 58, of Holly, and Courtney Thompson, 57, of Fenton.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s investigation into the unauthorized and unlicensed Hot Spot storefront casino in Flint underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding gaming laws and ensuring fair play,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Thanks to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team, who are such important enforcement partners in these cases, the upcoming sentencing of the defendants on December 2nd will mark yet another significant and successful outcome resulting in accountability and enforcement of gaming regulations to protect the integrity of gaming in Michigan.”

After collecting personal information and payment, Hot Spot employees allowed patrons to wager on the computers. Participants earned points for winning, which were then redeemable for Visa gift cards.

Bixby and Ladd each pled guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license (a 10-year felony), while Adams, Teall and Thompson each pled guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain (a 2-year misdemeanor).

“I am pleased to secure these convictions, alongside the Michigan Gaming Control Board, following our joint investigation,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “This partnership strengthens our efforts to dismantle criminal operations and places of illegal gaming across our state.”

All defendants are due back in 7th Judicial Circuit Court for sentencing at 9 AM on Monday, December 2.

The MGCB encourages the public to report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the agency at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

 

Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org Help is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Michigan citizens can also 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.

 

• 2024.11.18-PR-Hot-Spot-Skill-Arcade.pdf