Posted on: October 24, 2023, 07:47h. 

Last updated on: October 24, 2023, 07:47h.

Michigan authorities recently conducted a raid on a residence and business suspected of illegal gambling, resulting in the seizure of $182,430 worth of gift cards.

The confiscated gift cards were from Simon Property Group, an Indianapolis-based commercial real estate company.

Along with the gift cards, authorities also seized six slot-type video gaming machines, four of which were Nudgemaster machines that award gift cards or non-cash prizes to winners.

The raid also resulted in the seizure of 11 computers and $6,306 in cash.

As of now, there have been no arrests made.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) disclosed that the raids occurred on October 18.

The first search was carried out at the PlayStation Bar and Grill in Bridgeport Township, Mich.

The second raid took place at a residence in Goodrich, Mich., owned by the bar and grill owner who is also affiliated with Universal Video, Inc., an identified supplier of Nudgemaster machines.

The tip-off about the presence of the machines and potential illegal gambling activity at the bar and grill prompted the raids.

Authorities discovered tags on some of the machines indicating ownership by Universal Video, which led to the second search warrant for the owner’s residence and the office of Universal Video, Inc.

Further investigation revealed that the owner of the PlayStation Bar and Grill previously operated a business named the Nudgemaster Cafe in Grand Rapids, which was shut down after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from authorities in October 2019.

Breaking the Law

“Business owners who house illegal, unregulated gaming machines in their establishments are breaking the law,” warned MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams in a statement following the raids.

Williams emphasized that such activities not only contribute to increased crime but also put machine players at risk due to the absence of state regulations.

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,” advised Williams.

Danger to Neighborhoods

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel added that “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 recent case was jointly investigated by the MGCB, the Michigan Attorney General’s office, the Bridgeport Township Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.