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*FOR** IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*Contact: [email protected]

*Michigan Gaming Control Board announces sentencing, successful prosecution of illegal gambling operation in Flint*

DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2025 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the successful prosecution and sentencing of five individuals involved in operating an illegal gambling storefront at the Hot Spot Skill Arcade, located at 5542 Fenton Road in Flint.

The defendants were charged with running an unlicensed gambling operation that featured 41 casino-style gaming devices. Patrons who played on the devices earned points for winning, which were then redeemable for Visa gift cards—all in violation of Michigan’s gaming laws.

“We are thankful to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team for their tireless efforts in bringing those responsible for this illegal gambling operation to justice,” said *MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams*. “This prosecution demonstrates the commitment of the MGCB and our law enforcement partners to uphold the integrity of legal gaming in Michigan, and to hold individuals accountable for violating our laws.”

The following individuals were all employees at the Hot Spot Skill Arcade who allowed patrons to wager on the computers after collecting their personal information and payment. They were sentenced in relation to their involvement in this illegal operation:


* *Michael Bixby*, 48, of Holly, was sentenced to 24 months of probation, a $130 fine, $318 in fees and court costs, and the forfeiture of related items.
* *Jeffrey Ladd*, 52, of Ortonville, was sentenced to 18 months of probation, ordered to pay a $130 fine and $68 in fees and court costs, and to forfeit various items related to the operation.
* *Victoria Adams*, 64, of Flint, was sentenced to 6 months of probation, a $130 fine, $318 in fees and court costs, and to forfeit items linked to the illegal operation.
* *Michelle Teall*, 58, of Holly, was sentenced to 6 months of probation, a $130 fine, and $68 in fees and court costs.
* *Courtney Thompson*, 57, formerly of Fenton, was sentenced to 6 months of probation, a $130 fine, $68 in fees and court costs, and forfeiture of items. His probation can be transferred to his current residence and employment location in Indiana.

Bixby, Ladd, Adams, and Thompson were all sentenced on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Flint and Teall’s sentencing took place on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Bixby and Ladd had each pled guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license (a 10-year felony), while Adams, Teall, and Thompson each pled guilty to one high court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain (a 2-year misdemeanor).

“This successful prosecution serves as a testament to the strength of collaboration between state and local authorities in protecting our community from illegal activities,” said *Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley*. “Flint is committed to fostering a safe and lawful environment for its residents, and we will continue to support efforts that uphold integrity and justice.”  

The MGCB remains committed to maintaining a safe and lawful gaming environment in Michigan and will continue to work alongside the Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to prevent and address illegal gambling operations. The agency encourages the public to report alleged illegal gambling by contacting the agency at 1-888-314-2682 or sending a message to [email protected].

 

" Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at *1-800-GAMBLER*, text 800GAM, or visit ""www.1800gamblerchat.org" [ [link removed] ]". Help is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Michigan citizens can also visit the ""Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website [ [link removed] ]"" for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and ""DontRegretTheBet.org [ [link removed] ]"" for additional tools to game responsibly."

"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. Learn more at ""Michigan.gov/MGCB [ [link removed] ]""."

 


* 2025.01.16-PR-Hot-Spot-Skill-Arcade-Sentencing.pdf [ [link removed] ]
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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Gaming Control Board · 3062 West Grand Boulevard, Suite L-700 · Detroit, MI 48202-6062 · (313) 456-4100   [ [link removed] ]