Legal

On October 18, a multi-agency task force raided an illegal gambling site, the PlayStation Bar and Grill in Bridgeport Township, Michigan, confiscating gaming machines, cash, and gift cards worth over $180,000, all thanks to an anonymous tip.

A new bipartisan bill which aims to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands tribe after 30-years, has been introduced on the floor of the Michigan congress, potentially resolving a complication over the Little River Band tribe’s casino project.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s rules limiting daily fantasy operators from offering illegal prop bets have been approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The rules are to come into effect soon and may see PrizePicks leave the state.

Five suspects have been arraigned in connection with a raid in April, following an investigation by the MGCB and the Department of Attorney General. The defendants face up to 10 years in prison or a $100,000 fine, if guilty.

Earlier this year, several U.S. states, including Michigan, called on the DOJ to combat illegal offshore gambling, citing risks and lost tax revenue. The DOJ's response offered vague assurances but no specific actions, disappointing states seeking federal assistance.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Michigan Department of Attorney General have aided in exposing illegal gambling at a Flint storefront casino, leading to a police raid. The location, previously raided in 2022, had 48 illegal gambling machines and cash seized.

The National Indian Gaming Commission has reported that Michigan and five other states in the St. Paul region contributed $4.95 billion to the US Indian gaming industry's record-breaking $40.9 billion gross revenue in 2022.

FireKeepers Michigan has recently announced an extension to its partnership deal with US Integrity that was signed last year. The deal will give FireKeepers continued access to integrity monitoring services through USI’s proprietary dashboard.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board and six other states have written a letter to the Attorney General of the US, seeking a collaboration with federal authorities to curb illegal offshore gambling in the country.

Kewadin Casinos and its investment partners have agreed to a settlement which reduces the default judgment sum issued against the Kewadin Casinos Gaming Authority and Sault Ste Marie Tribe. Simultaneously, Kewadin Casinos has filed a malpractice claim against its ex-counsel.