Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioMacomb County, Michigan, authorities have seized 10 gambling machines, three vehicles, and more than $17,000 in cash as part of an investigation into illegal gambling operations.
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team executed search warrants at a business in Macomb Township, a home in Sterling Heights, and a home in Clinton Township.
Authorities arrested four people: Mirela Deda, 53, Alban Hulaj, 33, Alban Preka, 43, and Trifon Mone, 57.
Deda and Hulaj face felony charges of gambling operations and conspiracy. Deda is also charged with running a gambling house for gain, a high misdemeanor. Preka and Mone face felony charges of gambling operations and conspiracy, along with two other misdemeanors.
Bonds for all four were set at $10,000 apiece.
Michigan’s Long History of Illegal Gambling Raids
This Macomb operation is the latest chapter of steady enforcement action across Michigan.
Recently, two Jackson men were sentenced for operating an illegal gambling operation known as “Spin to Win.” Authorities seized 17 gambling devices, computer equipment, and nearly $8,000 in cash.
In 2023, several high-profile raids targeted alleged illegal casinos. In October, raids at PlayStation Bar and Grill in Bridgeport Township and a related residence resulted in the confiscation of $182,430 in gift cards, $6,306 in suspected proceeds, 11 computers, and six slot-type machines.
A month earlier, authorities raided two alleged illegal casinos in Davison and Burton. They seized 100 gambling devices, $29,204 in suspected profits, and 62 gift cards of varying denominations.
In August 2023, authorities seized 48 computers, two gambling machines, and $13,260 in suspected proceeds from The Flint Arcade in Flint.
Recent Busts Beyond Michigan
Illegal gambling operations remain a focus for law enforcement nationwide.
Earlier this month, the Florida Gaming Control Commission and local police seized 249 illegal slot machines and nearly $200,000 in cash from five illegal arcades in Port Richey. Authorities issued notices to eight individuals.
In July, federal prosecutors in Missouri indicted nine people accused of running a $9.5 million illegal gambling ring. They allegedly disguised their operations behind “skill game” venues, which they used to launder money through US and Indian bank accounts.
Michigan Also Escalates Online Crackdown
Alongside local raids, Michigan regulators have stepped up their pursuit of unlicensed online operators.
Around the same time as the Macomb raids, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued cease-and-desist letters to 15 illegal operators. The regulator has ramped up its actions in recent months, sending:
- 19 notices in July
- 5 in June
- 4 in May
- 11 in April
- 10 in March
Since 2022, the MGCB has issued over 700 cease-and-desist letters, well more than any other state in the country. Not all platforms comply with the requests, however.
Still, the actions have led to Michigan becoming one of the first states to push sweepstakes casinos to exit the state in early 2024. In 2023, MGCB actions forced daily fantasy sports operators to stop offering the controversial prop-style Pick ‘Em contests. That also made Michigan one of the first states in the nation to do so.
