Michigan authorities break up illegal gambling operation

(PRESS RELEASE) -- State investigators seized 36 machines including computers used as slot-style gaming machines, freestanding slot-style gaming machines, table-mounted gaming machines, a coin pusher machine and more than $23,000 in related cash last Thursday, 16 February from an alleged illegal gaming operation, Cozy Barcade, at 3280 S. Waverly Rd., Suite C-2, Delta Township.

Following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan Gaming Control Board, search warrants were served at the business with assistance from the Eaton County Sheriff's Department and Lansing Police Department.

"Illegal gaming locations prey on vulnerable people and don't offer the patron protections required for legal, regulated gaming," said Henry Williams, Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director. "The MGCB will continue to work hard to protect Michigan communities from crime by eliminating illegal gambling. We appreciate the public's help in identifying possible illegal gambling locations."

“Illegal gambling diverts taxes and revenue from our communities which is otherwise used to support our state and schools,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am grateful for the work of the Michigan Gaming Control Board in putting a stop to these unlawful actions.”
The investigation began after the MGCB received several anonymous tips about the alleged illegal gambling location.

"We have received several complaints from residents in the area about this place," said Captain Rob Block, Eaton County Office of the Sheriff. "These establishments breed other types of crimes such as robberies, assaults and drug activity."

The public can report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the MGCB at 1-888-314-2682 or MiGamblingTip@michigan.gov.