Michigan Legislative Update:

SB 1065

The Michigan Senate passed legislation 24-12 which would significantly expand redemption games in the state of the Michigan. SB 1065 redefines the term “redemption games” and updates the prize value from $3.75 to $500 in non-cash prizes but will allow gift cards. Players would still be able to win multiple prizes and businesses could offer up to eight redemption game machines with prizes in their establishment.

The bill now awaits action in the House.

HB 5393

Charitable organizations could operate online raffles under the HB 5393 bill that passed the House on 99-7.

Currently, non-profits and other charitable organizations can operate fundraising raffles at events if members are physically present. Representative Bradley Slagh, the sponsor, said during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, nonprofits who couldn’t meet or host events lost that opportunity. He said organizers from Ducks Unlimited, a wetland and water conservation non-profit, asked him to address the issue in a bill after similar legislation introduced in 2020 fell short.

The MGCB opposed the bill, suggesting the legislation would be a better fit under the Michigan Lottery Commission and not to be regulated and administered by the MGCB.

The bill now awaits action in the Senate.

Alleged Gambling Machines Seized from Redford Township, Taylor and Allen Park Gas Stations, Flint Area Storefront in Mundy Township

According to a press release issued by The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”). State investigators seized 56 gaming machines and more than $12,000 in alleged illegal gambling profits during raids September 28 and 29. The four raids resulted from several investigations led by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the MGCB.

“We’ve seen an increasing number of complaints about alleged illegal gambling, and we appreciate the help received from citizens who call our tip line at 888-314-2682,” said Henry Williams, MGCB executive director. “The MGCB works closely with local law enforcement agencies to investigate alleged illegal gambling locations, which do not provide the protections associated with legal, regulated gaming and can bring unwanted crime to neighborhoods.”

Investigations targeted alleged illegal gambling at three gas stations located in Redford Township, Taylor, and Allen Park and a fourth location, The Hot Spot, a storefront in Mundy Township. The investigators removed one gaming machine from each gas station and 53 machines from the storefront.

Machines seized from the three gas stations on September 28 included one slot-style gaming machine and two so-called “coin pusher”. State officials seized $3,295 from inside the coin-pusher machines and $290 from inside the slot-style gaming machine.

The Mundy Township storefront allegedly offered casino-style games in conjunction with merchandise. Customers allegedly received “promotional” game play by making purchases and receive cash awards for winning. A total of $9,141 in alleged gaming-related cash was seized when search warrants were executed on September 29.

The Allen Park Police Department, Redford Township Police Department and Michigan State Police assisted with executing the search warrants.

The MGCB publishes a fact sheet about Michigan law and a separate fact sheet on unregulated machines used for illegal gambling. Michigan citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal gambling by calling the MGCB’s 24-hour anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682, or by email, MiGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

Michigan Gaming Control Board In-Person and Virtual Public Meeting Notice

The Michigan Control Board (“MGCB”) will hold a regular public meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at the MGCB’s Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Boulevard, Suite L-700, Detroit, 48202-6062.

The meeting will also be available for viewing only via Zoom, please use this link for viewing only.

To join by telephone to listen only:

USA 636 651 3141 US Toll
USA 877 402 9753 US Toll-free
Conference code is 310845

The meeting is open to the public, and comments from the public are welcomed and encouraged during the public comment portion of the meeting. The MGCB asks you to submit this form to MGCBweb@michigan.gov by 9:30 am Tuesday, October 18. You may also use the Q&A in the Zoom meeting to indicate you wish to speak during public comment.

Persons who may need additional assistance to address the Board at the meeting are asked to contact Karen Finch at MGCBweb@michigan.gov or call 313-456-4100 during normal business hours. We ask for at least 24 hours in advance notice if additional assistance is needed, if possible.

Members of the public who are speech or hearing impaired may attend and participate in this meeting by dialing 7-1-1 and using the Michigan Relay service. More information about this service may be found here on MGCB’s website.

2023 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Announced

The Innovation Group, organizers of the Emerging Leaders of Gaming (“ELG”) program, and Global Gaming Business magazine (“GGB”) have announced the honorees of the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40, in this press release. This program recognizes professionals under the age of 40 that are already making significant impact in the casino gaming industry.

“This year’s selection process was as competitive as ever given the wide range of titles and segments represented,” said The Innovation Group President Michael Soll. “It’s an honor to help identify and showcase the remarkable individuals driving our industry into the future.”

“The quality of this year’s Emerging Leaders class is really extraordinary,” said Roger Gros, publisher of GGB. “Their accomplishments at such a young age reflect the dedication of these professionals to their craft.”

The Class of 2023 will be celebrated during the Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Networking Reception, in partnership with Global Gaming Expo, on Wednesday, October 12, from 4-5 pm in the G2E Networking Lounge (Booth #2040). Open to everyone in the ELG network, this reception is generously supported by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufactures (“AGEM”), the Indian Gaming Association (“IGA”) and Regulatory Management Counselors (“RMC Legal”)

The Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 under 40, Class of 2023:

Andrea Arrigo, Director of Database Marketing, Palms Casino Resort
Joseph Byrd, Chairman, Quapaw Nation
Chris Calitri, Account Executive, Ainsworth Game Technology
Marissa Coleman, VP, Business Development, Gaming Society
Lloyd Danzig, Managing Partner, Sharp Alpha Advisors
Cait DeBaun, Vice President, Strategic Communications & Responsibility, American Gaming Association
Tommaso Di Chio, SVP, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance & Deputy General Counsel, Kambi
Michael Donovan, Regional VP & General Manager – Midwest, Bally’s Kansas City
Jonathan Doubilet, Managing Director & VP, Operations, US, Playtech
Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Founder & CEO, Doura-Schawohl Consulting, LLC
Anamarie Ellis, Director of Player Development & Marketing Executive, Ellis Island Casino
Brooke Fiumara, Co-CEO, OPTX
Anita Gupta Grim, VP, Hospitality and Labor Analytics, Caesars Entertainment
Samantha Haggerty, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer & Regulatory Affairs Counsel, Penn Entertainment
Dan Hannigan-Daley, CEO, Sports Info Solutions
Marilyn Janssen, VP, Loyalty Services, Everi Holdings Inc
Heather Jerrytone, Director of VIP Services, Yaamava Casino & Resort
Matt Kaufman, Director, Digital and Interactive, Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC
Steve Kohon, VP of Game Sales, West, Bluberi Gaming
Brian Kraft, Head of Business Development, North America, Evolution
Robert Levine, CEO, ComOps
Ryan Loveland, CFO, Laguna Development Corporation
Agata Maher, Director of Marketing Operations, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Jamie McKelvey, Deputy Attorney General, NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement
Diego Mejia, Sales Manager, Casino and Gaming, TransAct Technologies Incorporated
Phylicia Middleton, Director of Marketing, Galaxy Gaming
Alexandra Milkovich, Associate & Senior Interior Designer, HBG Design
Kyle Piasecki, SVP, Strategic Partnerships, FSG Digital, Inc.
Bradley Pieper, Director of Sales, AGS
Ashley Polo, Executive Director of Brand and Database Marketing, Encore Boston Harbor
Rob Procter, VP, Game Development, Light & Wonder
Susan Quach, Senior Director, Customer Experience, OpenBet
Stephanie Quiles, Director of Game Development, IGT
Mike Robbins, Technical Compliance Specialist, Digital, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
Nick Ryan, VP, Casino Marketing, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Shannon Semenuk, Director of Slot Operations, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa
Lee Terfloth, COO, Out the Gate, Inc
Louis Trombetta, Executive Director, Florida Gaming Control Commission
Christmas Uberuaga, VP, UberWins Studio, Aristocrat
Jordan Whitten, Director of Slot Analytics, MGM Resorts International

AGEM’s Memorial Awards Recipients Announced

Roy Student and Frank Fantini have been named recipients of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufactures (“AGEM”) 2022 Memorial Awards.

The Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism was awarded to Roy Student. Student is a 50-Year gaming and hospitality industry veteran spending the last 15 years as the president and founder of Applied Management Strategies, a global management and marketing consulting company.

“Throughout his career, Roy has bent the arc of the industry’s history toward innovation, from the landmark MGM property in 1973 up to the present day. His insights and opinions, along with the prodding and encouragement he has given and continues to give behind-the-scenes to leaders at all levels, have permanently shaped the industry and left a lasting legacy” said David Lucchese, AGEM President, who also serves as Executive Vice President, Sales, Marketing a& digital at Everi.

The Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications was awarded to Frank Fantini. Fantini is a life-long investor and career newspaper journalist, publisher and executive. He created Fantini Research in the year 2000, publishing the first Fantini’s Gaming Report.

“Frank has been part of a gaming supplier executive’s workday for decades, whether through his research, commentary, analysis or interviews surrounding the gaming industry. His commitment and dedication to delivering insight and context to the ever-changing global gaming marketplace are greatly appreciated by our entire industry. Frank is a well-deserving recipient of this year’s Peter Mead award,” said Daron Dorsey, AGEM Executive Director.

AGA CEO Survey Reveals Executive Optimism Despite Weakening Economic Conditions

The American Gaming Association (“AGA”) released earlier this week its quarterly survey of gaming executives. The survey revealed that following the recent period of strong growth, the executives expect revenues to weaken over the next six months. Despite this, they remain slightly positive in their views of the industry through the first quarter of 2023. The survey results indicated an expectation that current operations will remain stable, while future operations are expected to decrease slightly.

The AGA’S panel includes senior-level executives selected to represent all segments of the casino industry, including operators, suppliers, and iGaming/sportsbook operators. 26 executives responded to the AGA’s survey.