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Couple sentenced after running an illegal gambling operation in Michigan
A Georgia couple has been taken down a second time by the Michigan Gambling Control Board after reopening an unlawful gambling business under a new name.
Georgia couple James Stiles and Laura Stiles have been sentenced to one year of probation after being convicted of running an illegal gambling operation in Flint, Michigan. Each pled guilty to misdemeanor charges of maintaining a gambling house for gain.Â
James and Laura were credited with serving nine days and five days in jail, respectively, and must pay $728 in fines and fees.
The illegal gambling business had already been shut down once
The Stiles had previously operated The Cellular Vault on 3301 Corunna Road in Flint. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and Michigan Department of Attorney General jointly investigated the location on August 18, 2022. They confiscated 43 computers used for gambling and $2,572.48 in proceeds before shutting the operation down afterward.
More recently, the MGCB received an anonymous tip on a new business called The Flint Arcade that opened at the same location. According to an MGCB press release, the owners offered visitors the chance to play slots-style games.
"This case shows what happens when an illegal gambling operation tries to hide behind a new name and a new sign," said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. "Our partnership with the Attorney General's Office and the City of Flint made sure this location couldn't simply reopen and continue operating outside the law."
MGCB trying to protect a lucrative gambling industry
The Michigan Penal Code prohibits offering any kind of gambling that's not authorized by the state. Currently, only retail and tribal casinos, online poker, sports betting, fantasy sports, horse racing, and casino games online are authorized.
The MGCB frequently investigates operators that are suspected of offering illegal gambling. It has been particularly active in trying to stop black-market platforms from providing real money online slots, table games, sports betting, and poker to Michiganders.
According to a published list, the MGCB has sent cease-and-desist letters to over 200 offshore gambling sites. Its goal is to protect what has become one of the highest-grossing gambling markets in the country.
The state broke an iGaming revenue record in December 2025 with $315.8 million. Michigan's iGaming market has since generated over $300 million per month. More residents and visitors are playing online slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer online casino games than ever before.
As in the Stiles' case, the MGCB is also willing to work with state authorities to take down illegal brick-and-mortar gambling locations. These efforts help protect the state's three commercial casinos and 23 tribal casinos from unlicensed competition.
Responsible gambling
Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.Â
