5 people plead guilty in Flint illegal gambling operation

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) – Five individuals entered guilty pleas in connection with an illegal gambling operation in Flint.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and Michigan Department of Attorney General made the announcement on Monday, Nov. 18.

A joint investigation uncovered that Hot Spot Skill Arcade, located at 5542 Fenton Road in Flint, lacked a gaming license and held 41 computer gaming stations offering casino slot-style gambling, also known as “pig” games, the MGCB said.

The five defendants who worked at Hot Spot Skill Arcade are Michael Bixby of Holly, Jeffrey Ladd of Ortonville, Victoria Adams of Flint, Michelle Teall of Holly, and Courtney Thompson of Fenton, according to the MGCB.

Officials said that after collecting personal information and payment, Hot Spot employees allowed patrons to wager on the computers. Participants earned points for winning, which were then redeemable for Visa gift cards.

Bixby and Ladd each pleaded guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license while Adams, Teall, and Thompson each pleaded guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain, according to the MGCB.

All defendants are due back in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for sentencing on Monday, Dec. 2.

The MGCB encourages the public to report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the agency at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

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