Illegal Gambling Operation Raid in Saginaw
On June 20, 2024, the MGCB issued a press release regarding a recent raid on the Red Horse Bar at 4780 State Street in Saginaw, MI which uncovered an illegal gambling operation.
The Michigan Penal Code places a broad prohibition on any gambling that is not authorized by law and consequences for the illegal operation of gaming machines can include criminal charges and/or monetary fines.
The MGCB acted in response to a tip from a citizen that illegal gambling was occurring at the Red Horse Bar. Prior to the raid, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist letters, but the bar’s owners Christopher and Nicholas Adams failed to comply.
Consequently, the raid was carried out on June 5, 2024, in conjunction with the Michigan State Police. Six slot-style gaming machines as well as $2,280 in gift cards and $5,161 in suspected gambling proceeds were confiscated by the authorities from the location. On June 6th, 2024, the Adams brothers were arraigned on felony gambling charges in the 70th District Court. They were later released on $6,000 personal bonds and a preliminary exam was scheduled for June 24th.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said, “The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring compliance with all state regulations, we will continue to work diligently to identify and eliminate any illegal gambling activities that pose a threat to the integrity of the industry and the welfare of the public.”
To report suspected illegal gambling activity, contact the MGCB tipline at 1-888-314-2682 or at non-anonymous MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.
Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $239.5 Million in May Revenue
As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $239.5 million total gross receipts in May. May receipts increased 2.0% when compared to last month’s results.
May iGaming gross receipts were $198.6 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $40.9 million in May. In April 2024, iGaming gross receipts were $192.9 million and gross sports betting receipts were $41.9 million.
The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $206.8 million were reported for May, including $178.7 million from iGaming and $28.1 million from internet sports betting – representing an iGaming increase of 2.6% and an increase of 1.2% for sports betting when compared to April 2024.
Total May internet sports betting handle was $343.7 million, a decrease of 13.9% from the $399.1 million result in April 2024.
The operators delivered $38.8 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during May, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $37.0 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $1.8 million.
The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $10.1 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $9.4 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $665,117 for the month of May.
Tribal operators reported making total payments of $4.5 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies in May according to the MGCB.
An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.
As of May, 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.
NHBP Gaming Commission Wins Regulatory Award
On June 26, 2024, Indian Gaming published an article announcing the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (“NHBP”) Gaming Commission’s recognition by the North American Gaming Regulators Association (“NAGRA”) with their 2024 Excellence in Gaming Team Award. The award was presented at the NAGRA Annual Education and Training Conference.
The NHBP’s award serves as a manifestation of their sustained achievements and contributions to gaming regulation. Some of these achievements include adopting regulations addressing aspects of the gaming industry such as licensing, audit, investigations, IT, hearings, exclusions, and enforcement. The Commission values and ensures transparency by engaging with the public via town hall meetings and postings.
Jacob Sheber, the NHBP Gaming Commission Investigations Manager, said, “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team…I am incredibly proud to work alongside such talented and committed individuals. We are grateful to NAGRA for acknowledging our efforts.”
Michigan Gaming Control Board In-Person and Virtual Public Meeting Notice and Agenda
Earlier this week, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) released a public notice of their upcoming public meeting agenda.
The meeting will take place at the Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202-6062 on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 9:30 am EST. The meeting will also be available via zoom at https://zoom.us/j/94918986791.
To join via telephone, use the information below:
USA 646 931 3860
Webinar ID: 949 1898 6791
To participate in public comment during the meeting, during which attendees are welcome to ask questions and voice comments, submit a Public Sign In Sheet Form to MGCBweb@michigan.com by 9:30 am on July 9th.
For additional meeting details, please refer to “Board Meeting Schedule and Agendas.”
Nominations for G&T Awards
Global Gaming Business Magazine (“GGB”) opened the nominations for 2024 The GGB Gaming & Technology Awards on Wednesday, June 25th.
Nominations can be submitted at https://ggbmagazine.com/ggbs-gaming-technology-awards/.
Categories for submission include:
- Best Sports Betting Product
- Best iGaming Product
- Best Table Game Product or Innovation
- Best Slot Technology
- Best Consumer Service Technology
- Best Productivity Enhancement Technology
The award is designed to celebrate prestigious members of the industry for their contributions to enhance the gaming experience. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges, announcing the winners at G2E (Global Gaming Expo) in October of this year. The deadline for nominations is August 23, 2024.