The Michigan State Police, through its Fraud Investigation Section, searched Michigan Lottery offices in Livonia, Michigan.
The search was part of an ongoing investigation the Michigan Lottery referred to the police.
Key takeaways
- Michigan State Police sent the Fraud Investigation Section to search Michigan Lottery offices in Livonia, Michigan.
- The Michigan Lottery issued a statement saying the investigation isn't connected to the integrity of its games.
- The offices remain temporarily closed with no indication of an opening date.
“The Michigan Lottery is committed to integrity and transparency. This investigation was initiated by the Lottery and is in no way connected to the integrity of Lottery games. The Lottery will continue to partner with the Michigan State Police in their ongoing investigation,” said a Michigan Lottery statement.
The Michigan Lottery office is temporarily closed with no indication when it will open again. The Michigan State Police provided no further details on the investigation or the search.
Michigan Lottery fraud case after iCap recertification
The nature of the fraud investigation at the Michigan Lottery is unclear, but the operator has a history of sticking to strict oversight. In January, the body completed the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) and earned recertification through the National Council on Problem Gambling.
The lottery first received iCap certification in October 2015 and was the first U.S. lottery to achieve that feat.
“We are incredibly proud to have once again received certification for our commitment to responsible gaming through the iCAP program, underscoring the Lottery’s dedication to player safety and well-being. We will continue to prioritize responsible gaming practices and provide Michiganders with the resources and support they need to play responsibly,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli on the recertification in January.
Michigan continues gambling crackdown
While Michigan police deal with a fraud case relating to the Michigan Lottery, other Michigan authorities are cracking down on illegal gambling. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is one of the U.S.' strictest regulators and sent dozens of cease-and-desist letters to illegal operators since the start of the year.
While Michigan online sports betting and Michigan online casinos are legal, only platforms licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board can operate in the state. Any site that offers gambling services without a license is served a cease-and-desist notice.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent six letters earlier in June to Bonus Blitz Casino, DomGame, Royal Ace Casino, Slots Capital, Supernova Casino, and Wins Mania. Each operator was providing gambling services in Michigan without a license.
That came after the Board sent a cease-and-desist letter in May to prominent operator BetUS, a site based in Costa Rica.
