5 plead guilty after illegal gambling operations uncovered at Flint arcade

FLINT, Mich. – Five people have entered guilty pleas in connection to an illegal gambling operation at a Flint arcade, officials said.

In a joint investigation, the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Michigan Department of Attorney General, discovered that Hot Spot Skill Arcade at 5542 Fenton Road in Flint, didn’t have a gaming license and was operating “41 computer gaming stations offering casino slot-style gambling—commonly known as “pig” games—on software provided by TS Trading Systems,” according to a release.

The five defendants who entered guilty pleas include the following:

• Michael Bixby, 48, of Holly

• Jeffrey Ladd, 52, of Ortonville

• Victoria Adams, 64, of Flint

• Michelle Teall, 58, of Holly

• Courtney Thompson, 57, of Fenton

All of the defendants worked at the arcade. After collecting personal information and payment, the employees let the customers wager on the computers. The people who participated would earn points for winning, and then could redeem the points for Visa gift cards.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s investigation into the unauthorized and unlicensed Hot Spot storefront casino in Flint underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding gaming laws and ensuring fair play,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Thanks to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team, who are such important enforcement partners in these cases, the upcoming sentencing of the defendants on December 2nd will mark yet another significant and successful outcome resulting in accountability and enforcement of gaming regulations to protect the integrity of gaming in Michigan.”

Officials say Bixby and Ladd each pleaded guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license, a 10-year felony.

Adams, Teall and Thompson pleaded guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for a gain, a two-year misdemeanor.

They are all scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 2.

“I am pleased to secure these convictions, alongside the Michigan Gaming Control Board, following our joint investigation,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “This partnership strengthens our efforts to dismantle criminal operations and places of illegal gaming across our state.”