Mcb777 LoginThe MGCB Defends its Efforts to Combat Illegal Gambling

Detroit Tigers right fielder Wenceel Pérez celebrates as we look at the MGCB comments about combating illegal gaming. — Detroit Tigers right fielder Wenceel Pérez celebrates after his bunt scored the game-winning run against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Photo by: Lon Horwedel/USA TODAY Sports.

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 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 . 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.

Written By:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.