The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has sentenced Gurjinder Singh to a two-year misdemeanor sentence for an illegal gambling operation discovered at Pfeffer's Party Store in February 2024.
Additionally, Singh will have to pay $500 in fines, fees and court costs following his guilty plea to a charge of Gambling House Permitting for Gain.
The case originally began with a joint investigation carried out by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the MGCB after suspicious activity was reported at the location.
Investigators would go on to identify two standalone slot-style gaming machines inside Pfeffer's Party Store in February 2024, which closely resembled machines used in licensed retail casinos.
"This sentencing sends a clear message that illegal gambling will not be tolerated in Michigan. We encourage all business owners to follow the law and remind the public that unregulated gambling puts players and communities at risk," MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
"Illegal gambling operations may appear harmless, but they can contribute to other forms of crime, lack consumer protections and divert revenue away from community priorities."
Customers would allegedly play the machines and redeem any winnings on a Visa gift card to bypass Michigan's legal requirements for gambling activities.
Singh was officially sentenced by Judge Steven Timmers of the 62A District Court in Kent County on December 18. The MGCB stated it continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate illegal gambling operations and "take enforcement action when warranted."
Such efforts were said to help ensure licensed operators "compete fairly" throughout Michigan and keep residents protected from "predatory or unsafe gambling environments."
The MGCB issued 12 cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling operators on December 4 for illegally offering iGaming and sports wagering to residents, including 31 Bets Casino, Betnuvo and BetPhoenix
