Two Saginaw Township, Michigan bar owners are facing felony gambling charges after authorities discovered an illegal gambling operation. The Michigan Gaming Control Board, alongside the Attorney General's Office, conducted a raid on the Red Horse Bar, resulting in the seizure of six slot-style machines, $2,820 in gift cards, and $5,161 in suspected gambling proceeds, as reported by Click On Detroit.
The owners, brothers Christopher and Nicholas Adams were arraigned on June 6 following the raid on June 5, they each received a $6,000 personal bond according to WNEM 5. A preliminary examination for their case is scheduled for June 24. Local business owners have since called attention to what they perceive as unequal enforcement of the state's gambling regulations, with Rick Pahseen, owner of Hill's Tavern, stating he feels the Michigan Gaming Control Board is selectively applying pressure.
Pahseen, who complied with a cease-and-desist notice by removing two gaming machines from his establishment, expressed solidarity with the Adams brothers. According to ABC 12 News, he said, "Four felonies, that's terrible. That's terrible what they are doing to those guys", Pahseen also raised questions about the legality of the machines, suggesting some bars continue to operate similar devices despite the crackdown.
The owners of the Red Horse Bar face, each face four charges including gambling and computer crimes. Pahseen, who believes the machines represent games of skill rather than traditional slots, cites ongoing legal battles over their status. "Until you prove to me that they are legal or not legal, I don't feel like going through the hassle of going to court," Pahseen told ABC 12 News. Despite recent legal challenges, a preliminary hearing for the Adams brothers initially set for the next week was adjourned, with no further comments available from their attorneys or the Michigan Gaming Control Board at the time of reporting.
