Five individuals pled guilty to participating in an illegal gambling operation in Flint, specifically involving “pig games.” They await sentencing scheduled for December 2, following their arrest by state authorities and an investigation led by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) in early 2024.

The MGCB discovered 41 gaming stations operating at the Hot Spot Skill Arcade, located at 5542 Fenton Road in Flint. An undisclosed amount of cash was also confiscated during the investigation.

### Understanding ‘Pig Games’

A pig game refers to a “coin pusher” device. In these games, players pull levers or press buttons to drop coins onto a platform. The coins that fall into a prize slot determine the player’s winnings. The name “pig” comes from the notion that players feed coins into the machine.

These machines are not classified as skill-based games and fall under fringe gaming. Legal casinos generally do not offer them. Coin pushers can be manipulated, making it difficult for coins to reach the prize area. Players might also shake the machines to try to dislodge coins, adding to the unpredictability of the game.

### Guilty Pleas and Charges

The five defendants include:

– Victoria Adams, 64, from Flint
– Michael Bixby, 48, from Holly
– Jeffrey Ladd, 52, from Ortonville
– Michelle Teall, 58, from Holly

What are the legal definitions surrounding gambling operations in Michigan?

Interview with Gaming Specialist Dr. Linda Montgomery on Illegal Gambling Operations in Flint

NewsDirectory3: Today, we’re diving into the recent guilty pleas from five individuals involved in an illegal gambling operation in Flint, particularly concerning the controversial “pig games.” To help us understand the implications, we spoke with Dr. Linda Montgomery, a gaming industry specialist and professor at the University of Michigan. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Montgomery.

Dr. Montgomery: Thank you for having me.

NewsDirectory3: To start, could you explain what “pig games” are and why they’ve drawn the attention of law enforcement?

Dr. Montgomery: Absolutely. “Pig games” refer to coin pusher devices that are often found in amusement arcades and are sometimes misrepresented as skill-based games. The gameplay involves players dropping coins onto a platform, hoping to push other coins into a prize slot. However, these games are not classified as skill-based due to the inherent randomness involved.

NewsDirectory3: It must be concerning that these games are being used in an illegal capacity. How do the operations typically work?

Dr. Montgomery: Typically, illegal gambling operations exploit such games by setting them up in locations where they can fly under the radar, often presenting them as entertainment options rather than gambling devices. Players may not even realize they are participating in illegal activities, especially in loosely regulated environments.

NewsDirectory3: The recent investigation led by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) uncovered 41 gaming stations at the Hot Spot Skill Arcade. What does this tell us about the scale of illegal gambling?

Dr. Montgomery: The discovery of 41 gaming stations signals a significant illegal operation. It suggests that such activities can proliferate quickly when there’s a lack of regulatory oversight or enforcement. These operations can attract individuals who are either unaware of the legal implications or who are willing to take the risk for the chance of winning prizes.

NewsDirectory3: The five individuals involved have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. What potential penalties could they face?

Dr. Montgomery: The penalties can vary widely. Since they’ve pled guilty to participating in illegal gambling operations, they could face fines, possible prison time, community service, or probation. The extent of the penalties will likely depend on their involvement and prior criminal records.

NewsDirectory3: The MGCB confiscated a significant amount of cash during their investigation. How critical is this aspect in illegal gambling cases?

Dr. Montgomery: Confiscating cash is critical as it reflects the financial stakes of these operations. The presence of cash indicates that the operation is not only substantial but also that it likely extended beyond just small-scale gambling. Financial seizures are often part of the strategy to disrupt and dismantle such networks.

NewsDirectory3: Looking ahead, what should the state be doing to combat illegal gambling operations like this?

Dr. Montgomery: Enhanced regulation and enforcement are essential. This includes more rigorous inspections of gaming establishments, clearer definitions of what constitutes legal versus illegal gambling, and public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the risks associated with participating in these types of games. Collaboration between state agencies can also bolster efforts to identify and dismantle such operations.

NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr. Montgomery, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant against illegal gambling operations and protect the integrity of gaming in Michigan.

Dr. Montgomery: My pleasure. Thank you for shedding light on this matter.

NewsDirectory3: Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this situation and its broader implications for the community and gaming regulations in the state.

– Courtney Thompson, 57, from Fenton

Bixby and Ladd each pled guilty to conducting a gambling operation without a license, a serious felony that could result in a 10-year prison sentence. Adams, Teall, and Thompson pled guilty to a high court misdemeanor for maintaining a gambling house for gain, which carries a maximum of two years in prison.

The Hot Spot Skill Arcade housed gambling machines that operated on software from TS Trading Systems. The machines identified as “pig style” were part of this illegal operation.

### Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

The MGCB has intensified efforts against illegal gambling since Michigan legalized online sports betting and casinos in 2021. Authorities have conducted raids on unlicensed gaming sites across various towns. Since November 2022, 48 locations received cease-and-desist letters related to 105 illegal machines.

The illegal machines found at Hot Spot Skill Arcade have been destroyed. The MGCB emphasized that these machines were tools for crime, hurting local communities. They will continue to enforce gaming laws to protect residents and ensure fair revenue for the state.

### Conclusion

The upcoming sentencing of the defendants on December 2 is part of a broader effort to uphold gambling laws in Michigan. The crackdown on illegal operations aims to ensure public trust in the integrity of legal gaming and the safety of communities.