The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced its successful resolution of an enforcement action taken against a former illegal casino establishment in Flint, Michigan.
Previously known as The Cellular Vault, The Vault, and The Flint Arcade, this property located at 3301 Corunna Road in Flint was forced to abate the building as a result of this settlement. All of its contents have been removed and sold, while the building of the former illegal storefront casino is not to be used for any purpose for a one-year duration, forfeiting it to the city of Flint.
This case was made possible by a property nuisance complaint filed earlier in 2024 against L.D. Lam Properties, LLC, arraigning the two owners and banning them from engaging in any other nuisance in any other building or facility in Genesee County.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Illegal gambling operations anywhere undermine the integrity of our regulated gaming industry everywhere,” said executive director of MGCB, Henry Williams.
“The MGCB would like to extend its gratitude to Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and to all the individuals and agencies who contributed to the successful resolution of this case, including law enforcement partners and community members who provided valuable information.” Williams concluded by saying, “This case settlement is proof that when we work together and partner with other state agencies and local leaders, positive change can happen.”
Settlement agreement details
Following the year-long investigation from August 2022 to August 2023 conducted by both the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the MGCB, the City of Flint filed a complaint within the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Genesee County seeking relief. Part of the complaint requested that the building at 3301 Corunna Road be abated, with all of its contents removed and sold, closed, and not used for any purpose for a full year.
The settlement agreement on this complaint was reached on May 7, with one of the owners of this former illegal U.S. casino storefront ordered to pay $3,500 for associated costs related to the case and prosecuting attorney fees. The goal of the settlement is to punish the business owner for his actions while deterring other potential violators.
The MGCB has been busy lately, conducting a raid on the Red Horse Bar in Saginaw, Michigan to break up another illegal gambling operation in June.
“I want to thank the Michigan Gaming Control Board and all of our law enforcement partners who helped ensure that this illegal gambling operation will no longer take advantage of vulnerable people in our community,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “I hope the forfeiture of the Corunna Road establishment sends a strong message that we will hold bad actors accountable when they profit from illegal activities that threaten public health and safety.”
During this year-long investigation, 50 gambling devices, and standalone slot machines were confiscated from The Vault. Authorities also collected over $15,000 in suspected gambling proceeds and winnings.
