Guilty Pleas in Flint Illegal Gambling Case Announced by Michigan Gaming Control Board and Attorney General

On November 18, 2024, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) and the Michigan Department of Attorney General announced that five individuals have pleaded guilty in connection with an illegal gambling operation at Hot Spot Skill Arcade in Flint. The arcade, which operated without a gaming license, featured 41 computer gaming stations offering casino-style slot games known as “pig” games.

The five defendants—Michael Bixby, Jeffrey Ladd, Victoria Adams, Michelle Teall, and Courtney Thompson—worked at the unlicensed operation. Bixby and Ladd each pleaded guilty to a 10-year felony charge of conducting a gambling operation without a license, while Adams, Teall, and Thompson each pleaded guilty to a 2-year misdemeanor charge of maintaining a gambling house for gain.

“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.”

The arcade allowed patrons to wager on the computers, earning points redeemable for Visa gift cards. Sentencing for the defendants is scheduled for December 2, 2024, in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court.

“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.”

Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $253.7 Million in October Revenue

As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $253.7 million total gross receipts in October. October receipts decreased 2.8% when compared to last month’s results.

October iGaming gross receipts were $220.7 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $33.0 million in October. In September 2024, iGaming gross receipts were $202.6 million and gross sports betting receipts were $58.4 million.

The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $208.5 million were reported for October, including $198.6 million from iGaming and $9.9 million from internet sports betting – representing an iGaming increase of 8.9% and a decrease of 64.3% for sports betting when compared to September 2024.

The total October internet sports betting handle was $560.4 million, an increase of 11.7% from the $501.8 million result in September 2024.

The operators delivered $42.1 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during October, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $41.5 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $569,374.

The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $10.5 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $10.2 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $332,517 for the month of October.

Tribal operators reported making total payments of $5.2 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies in October according to the MGCB.

An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.

As of October, a total of 15 commercial and tribal operators have been authorized to launch iGaming and/or internet sports betting. Currently, 12 commercial and tribal operators offer internet sports betting, and 15 operators offer iGaming. Details for each operator’s internet gaming and internet sports betting results are available and published on the MGCB website.

Detroit Casinos Report $102.9 Million in October Revenue

According to the October revenues released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), the three Detroit casinos reported $102.9 million in monthly aggregate revenue in October. Table games and slots generated $103.7 million, and retail sports betting generated a negative ($826,796).

The October market shares were:

MGM, 48%
MotorCity, 30%
Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 22%

The three Detroit casinos paid $8.4 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. The casinos also reported submitting $12.8 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in October 2024.

The three Detroit casinos reported $22.19 million in total sports betting handle and total gross receipts were a negative ($822,522) for the month of October 2024.

October QAGR by property were:

MGM, negative ($474,293)
MotorCity, negative ($528,408)
Hollywood Casino at Greektown, $175,905

The three Detroit casinos submitted taxes on retail sports betting in the amounts of $6,649 to the State of Michigan, and $8,127 to the City of Detroit for October 2024, based on their retail sports betting revenue.

In addition to reporting revenue from the three Detroit casinos, the MGCB released revenue numbers from fantasy contest operators.

Fantasy contest operators reported total adjusted revenues of $1.1 million and paid taxes of $89,282 during September 2024.

Top revenue generators were:

DraftKings, $686,337.83
FanDuel, $192,951.02

Gun Lake Casino Toys for Tots Event on December 1, 2024

Gun Lake Casino (“GLC”) is excited to announce the launch of its annual Toys for Tots campaign, running from December 1 to December 15. The holiday festivities begin on Sunday, December 1, from 9 AM to 11 AM, with a family-friendly free event at GLC’s 131 Sportsbar & Lounge. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy holiday activities, including photos with Santa, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, and games like Candy Cane Hook’em, Ornament Toss, Xmas Plinko, and SnowBall Throw, with prizes for participation.

“Once again, we are excited to invite the public to join us at GLC to kick off the annual Toys for Tots campaign,” said Carter Pavey, Vice President of Marketing. “The holiday event on December 1 will be better than ever as we will have holiday treats and great entertainment for children, including a snowball throw. We encourage everyone to donate to this wonderful campaign to bring a toy to GLC and support a child in need.”

In addition to the event on December 1, GLC’s Toys for Tots campaign runs through December 15. Guests with a GLC Rewards card who bring new, unwrapped toys will receive up to $100 in free slot play daily. Toys can be dropped off at the Rewards Center or at the December 1 event to receive a coupon for free play.

GLC partners annually with the Marine Corps Reserve Lakeshore Toys for Tots to ensure less fortunate children receive gifts during the holiday season. More information on the campaign can be found at Gun Lake Casino.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel Donates 2,600 Turkeys for 15th Year of Giving

In its 15th year of giving, FireKeepers Casino Hotel is continuing its tradition of supporting local communities during the holiday season by donating 2,600 turkeys to five regional food banks and The Kendall Street Pantry in Battle Creek. This generous contribution ensures that families across the area can enjoy a traditional holiday meal.

The South Michigan Food Bank will receive 1,500 turkeys, while four additional food banks will each receive 200 turkeys:

Community Harvest Food Bank (Fort Wayne, IN)
Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank (Comstock Park, MI)
Food Gatherers (Ann Arbor, MI)
Greater Lansing Food Bank (Lansing, MI)

Additionally, The Kendall Street Pantry will receive 300 turkeys to distribute for Christmas celebrations on December 12. The pantry is supported by FireKeepers and dedicated volunteers, including FireKeepers employees.

“At FireKeepers, community is at the heart of everything we do,” said FireKeepers CEO Frank Tecumseh “Through this donation, we hope to bring comfort and joy to families and to honor the spirit of giving that unites us during the holidays. Knowing that these turkeys will make a difference in the lives of our neighbors is profoundly meaningful to us.”

Beyond the turkey donation, FireKeepers will also host a free Thanksgiving meal at Battle Creek Central Commons on November 28 for those in need. FireKeepers’ commitment to local causes and volunteerism continues year-round, making a lasting impact on the region.

National Council of Legislators from Gaming States: Winter Meeting to Examine Responsible Gaming

The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (“NCLGS”) will present a case study on Louisiana’s model for Responsible Gaming, highlighting how key officials in the state’s mature gaming market develop and implement effective, safe-gaming programs. These topics will be discussed during the Committee on Responsible Gaming Panel, chaired by Representative Shelley Kloba of Washington, at the NCLGS Winter Meeting, taking place December 12-15 at Caesars New Orleans.

Presenters include:

Suzanne Bourgeois, Program Manager, Problem Gambling Resource Services and Assistant Attorney General, Gaming Division in Louisiana.
Ronnie Jones, Former Chair, Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Marisa Marino Beard, Director of Addiction Enhancement & Accountability, Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health.
Don Pledger, Executive Director, Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling.

NCLGS, founded more than a quarter century ago, is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues related to gaming. According to the organization’s press release, NCLGS neither promotes nor opposes gaming but it is focused on proper regulation and promoting best practices in the governance of this important industry.

To view the full agenda and to register, click here.

For sponsorship information or renewals, or for any issues with hotel reservations, contact Josh Faber or Allison McCoy.

Legislators and others seeking NCLCS membership information should contact Wayne Marlin.

National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gaming 2025 Call for Conference Presentations

Opportunity Deadline: Friday, December 6, 2024

The National Council on Problem Gambling invites presentation proposals for the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling held on July 16-18, 2025, in Columbus, OH. The National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling brings together world-class presenters to deliver powerful and insightful messages about problem gambling and responsible gambling. To learn more and to submit a proposal click here.