The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the Michigan Department of Attorney General Monday announced that five individuals recently entered guilty pleas in connection with an illegal gambling operation.

A joint investigation conducted by both agencies uncovered that Hot Spot Skill Arcade in Flint lacked a gaming license and operated 41 computer gaming stations offering casino slot-style gambling—commonly known as pig games—on software provided by TS Trading Systems.

The five defendants in the case, all employees of Hot Spot Skill Arcade, are Michael Bixby, 48; Jeffrey Ladd, 52; Victoria Adams, 64; Michelle Teall, 58; and Courtney Thompson, 57. 

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s investigation into the unauthorized and unlicensed Hot Spot storefront casino in Flint underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding gaming laws and ensuring fair play,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams in a statement. “Thanks to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team, who are such important enforcement partners in these cases, the upcoming sentencing of the defendants on December 2nd will mark yet another significant and successful outcome resulting in accountability and enforcement of gaming regulations to protect the integrity of gaming in Michigan.” 

After collecting personal information and payment, Hot Spot employees allowed patrons to wager on the computers. Participants earned points for winning that were redeemable for Visa gift cards. 

Bixby and Ladd each pled guilty to one count of conducting a gambling operation without a license, a 10-year felony, while Adams, Teall, and Thompson each pled guilty to one high-court misdemeanor of maintaining a gambling house for gain, a 2-year misdemeanor.

“I am pleased to secure these convictions, alongside the Michigan Gaming Control Board, following our joint investigation,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “This partnership strengthens our efforts to dismantle criminal operations and places of illegal gaming across our state.”

All defendants are due back in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for sentencing December 2.