Two Face Charges In Flint Video Poker Bust
LANSING (WWJ) - Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has filed several charges against two Flint area men accused of running an illegal video poker operation.
The 55-year old Michael Kremski and 54-year old Robert Murray are charged with Racketeering, among other charges. Schuette accuses the pair of telling Flint-area bar owners how to only pay winnings to patrons the bar owner knew and avoiding regulation.
The only gambling authorized under state law includes pari-mutuel horse racing, bingo, the state-sponsored lottery, charity "millionaire parties" and casino gambling operated by those licensed under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.
"Allowing bar owners to conduct illegal gambling that is unregulated and relies upon machines designed to maximize profits to a few individuals feeds organized crime," said Rick Kalm, Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, in a statement. "Michigan citizens should beware – not only do the odds heavily favor the distributors and bar owners, but the public has no recourse when ripped off, since the activity is illegal," he said.
The pair could get over 20-years in prison if convicted. They are expected to be arraigned in 67th District Court in Flint on July 7.
Michigan citizens can report any suspicious or illegal gambling to the Michigan Gaming Control Board by calling the 24-hour anonymous tip line, 888-314-2682.
