MGCB welcomes the sentencing of a man involved in illegal gambling
A Grand Rapids man has been sentenced for running an illegal gambling operation inside a local party store. Gurjinder Singh pleaded guilty to allowing slot-style machines at Pfeffer’s Party Store, leading to a two-year misdemeanour penalty. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) welcomed the ruling as a step toward curbing unlicensed betting.
Singh operated two slot-style machines at the Burton Street SW store. Players could redeem winnings via Visa gift cards, a method used to bypass state gambling regulations. His operation came to light after an investigation by the MGCB and the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
The court handed Singh a two-year misdemeanour sentence. He was also ordered to pay $500 in fines, fees, and court costs. The MGCB emphasised that only licensed venues can legally offer such gaming to ensure consumer protection. Authorities view the case as a warning to others running similar setups. The MGCB stated that uncovering unlicensed gambling helps prevent criminal activity and safeguards players. No specific police force was named as part of the investigation.
Singh’s sentencing marks the first such conviction linked to the MGCB’s crackdown on illegal gambling. The ruling reinforces that only approved venues can host slot machines in Michigan. Future investigations into unlicensed operations are expected to follow this precedent.
