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

*Michigan Gaming Control Board announces sentencing in party store illegal gambling case*

DETROIT, Dec. 18, 2025 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) today announced the sentencing of an individual involved in an illegal gambling operation at Pfeffer’s Party Store, a Wyoming liquor store located at 1054 Burton Street SW.

*Gurjinder Singh*, 32, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced by Judge Steven M. Timmers in 62A District Court in Kent County following his guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge of Gambling House Permitting for Gain, a two-year misdemeanor. As part of his sentence, Singh was ordered to pay $500 in fines, fees, and court costs.

“This sentencing sends a clear message that illegal gambling will not be tolerated in Michigan,” said *MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams*. “We encourage all business owners to follow the law and remind the public that unregulated gambling puts players and communities at risk.”

The case began with a joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the MGCB, following reports of suspicious activity at the business location. In February 2024, investigators identified two standalone slot-style gaming machines inside Pfeffer’s Party Store that closely resembled machines used in licensed commercial casinos.

According to investigators, customers could play the machines and redeem winnings for Visa gift cards — an arrangement trying to bypass Michigan’s legal requirements for gambling activities and that poses risks to consumers. Illegal machines operate outside established regulatory safeguards designed to promote fairness, protect patrons, and prevent criminal activity associated with unregulated gambling.

The MGCB works in partnership with law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Michigan Department of Attorney General, to investigate illegal gambling operations and take enforcement action when warranted. These efforts help ensure that licensed operators compete fairly and that Michigan residents are protected from predatory or unsafe gambling environments.

“Illegal gambling operations may appear harmless, but they can contribute to other forms of crime, lack consumer protections, and divert revenue away from community priorities,” Williams said. “We appreciate the strong collaboration with the Department of Attorney General and local law enforcement in bringing this case to a close.”

The MGCB encourages residents to remain vigilant, and report suspected illegal gambling activity. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the agency’s 24-hour tip line at 1-888-314-2682 or by emailing [email protected].

"Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, call *1-800-GAMBLER* or visit ""800gambler.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] ]"."

 


* 2025.12.18-PR-Pfeffer's Party Store Investigation.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] ]