The MGCB Defends its Efforts to Combat Illegal Gambling

The Michigan Gambling Control Board (MGCB) had recently defended its actions against illegal gambling in the state amid growing scrutiny, hoping to turn residents instead to our best sports betting sites operating legally within the state.

The MGCB released a press release on July 16 that, in part, addressed the surge in casino-style electronic games known as skill games. The release highlighted that over the past five years, investigations by the MGCB and Michigan Attorney General’s Office have resulted in 29 convictions, the seizure of 436 illegal machines, and the recovery of $176,001.69 in cash and $15,415 in gift cards.

There are plenty of legal real money online casinos operating within the Great Lakes State, and we highlight our favorites in our Michigan online casinos.

Comments

“As the regulatory authority overseeing the three Detroit commercial casinos and online gaming in Michigan, the MGCB is committed to upholding the integrity of the state’s gambling regulations and ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment for all citizens,” commented MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

“It is essential to clarify that these casino-style electronic gaming machines are not exempt from Michigan’s penal code, and individuals operating or utilizing them are subject to enforcement actions by the state,” Williams continued.

“The public is being misled when told that skill and gift cards equate to the legality of a machine. What is being ignored is that the machines in question have been played and/or examined by investigators and determined to be casino-style slot machines for which winning depends on chance.”

Pushback

Despite suppliers’ claims that skill games are exempt from Michigan’s gambling restrictions due to their supposed element of skill, investigations reveal they do not meet the requirements of MCL 750.310b. They function similarly to slot machines, where outcomes are predominantly based on chance. These machines have also been found to offer cash prizes and Visa gift cards.

The MGCB stressed that spreading such misinformation is driving this illicit gambling, which endangers citizens and results in lost state revenue since legal casinos pay a tax on their revenues. This tax supports local governments and the School Aid Fund. 

Established in 1996, the MGCB regulates the state’s gambling industry, including Michigan sports betting, casinos, horse racing, and DFS. The MGCB continues to safeguard citizens by investigating the issue of electronic gaming machines across the state.