The Michigan Gaming Control Board has announced the positive resolution of an enforcement action earlier brought against a suspected illegal storefront gambling establishment in the city of Flint.

The regulator revealed the proceedings had involved LD Lam Properties LLC, which was claimed to have been running an unlicensed gambling parlor containing slots out of a small building on Corunna Road branded at various times as The Cellular Vault, The Vault and The Flint Arcade.

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Successive Swoops 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board revealed this premises was first raided in August of 2022 amid allegations it was being used for illegal gambling activities. The regulator explained this action had resulted in the confiscation of thousands of dollars in suspect cash as well as 39 computers ostensibly being utilized for the provision of slot-style games.

Authorities again searched this same venue a year later following the receipt of a tip-off and subsequently seized a further 48 computers, a pair of casino slot machines and $13,260 in suspected proceeds. This second foray prompted the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, Henry Williams, to meet with the mayor of Flint so as to discuss ways of helping the city of some 81,000 people to deter and crack down on illegal gambling operations.

Serious Sanction

Authorities later filed a complaint against LD Lam Properties LLC, which is owned by Linos Antonio Kas-Mikha, in Genesee County’s Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, seeking relief. The Michigan Gaming Control Board, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the city of Flint moreover jointly asked for the building to be vacated for at least a year with all of its contents removed and sold.

The regulator disclosed these requests have now been approved, while Kas-Mikha was additionally ordered to pay $3,500 to cover a range of court costs, including prosecuting attorney fees. Williams pronounced this penalty to serve ‘as both a punishment and a deterrent to other potential violators’ as illicit gambling operations anywhere in the state ‘undermine the integrity of our regulated gaming industry everywhere’.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board would like to extend its gratitude to the mayor of Flint, 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 said. 

“This case settlement is proof that positive change can happen when we work together and partner with other state agencies and local leaders.”

Enthusiastic Appreciation

For his part, Neeley thanked the Michigan Gaming Control Board as well as a range of local law enforcement agencies for helping to ensure the permanent closure this illegal gambling operation. The 55-year-old Democrat, moreover, proclaimed he is pleased this unlicensed enterprise will no longer be able to ‘take advantage of vulnerable people in our community’.

“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,” Neeley said.