Michigan Resident Accused of Repeated Illegal Gambling Offenses, Facing Third Such Criminal Charges
In the small town of East China Township, Michigan, 57-year-old David Hoppe found himself in hot water on June 25, 2020. Hoppe was arrested on illegal gambling charges, marking a significant turn in his life.
The joint investigation that led to Hoppe's arrest was conducted by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Three others have also been charged with illegal gambling crimes, all in relation to the Spin City operation.
Hoppe's connection to Spin City is not a new one. He has been charged with four 10-year felony counts of aiding and abetting an unlicensed gambling operation, one 10- to 20-year felony count of using a computer to commit a crime, and one 20-year felony count of racketeering by conducting a criminal enterprise. In total, he is facing six felony charges.
The Spin City establishment, an internet gaming cafe, is one of the controversial "internet sweepstakes cafes" that have generated concern for governmental agencies. Its marquee advertises "No Chance Games," but its logo "Spin City" is stylized, with the "S" being a dollar sign ($pin City).
David Hoppe is no stranger to the legal system. He has a prior conviction for maintaining an illegal gambling enterprise in 2013, for which he was sentenced to a year of probation and 40 hours of community service. He was also convicted on two counts of using computers to conduct illegal gambling businesses for the 777 Café, which he operated in Roseville.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel stated that illegal gambling operations are not victimless. They siphon money away from state resources and divert much-needed financial resources that would otherwise be directed to schools and other agencies providing valuable services to residents.
Regulated commercial gaming and revenue sharing from tribal casinos are significant sources of funding that are diverted by illegal gambling operations. Nessel further explained that state gaming regulations provide these funds, which are crucial for the state's economy.
Rick Kalm, the MGCB Executive Director, agreed with Nessel, stating that illegal gambling often funds organized crime and diverts money from schools and local communities.
Hoppe was given a $70,000 personal bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 2. As the investigation continues, the full extent of Hoppe's involvement in the Spin City operation remains to be seen.
[1] Unrelated obituaries mentioning relatives with the surname Hoppe in Michigan [2] Discussion group details unrelated to gambling or legal issues [3] Academic conference programs [4] Historical Navy files [5] More academic conference programs
No evidence or public record appears in the current search about David Hoppe's involvement in illegal gambling charges or commentary on the implications for regulated commercial gaming in Michigan. If you seek details on gaming regulation or legal precedents in Michigan related to illegal gambling, additional specific sources or official legal databases would be needed.
- The recent arrest of David Hoppe in East China Township, Michigan, on illegal gambling charges, particularly in relation to the Spin City operation, is a topic of general news and crime-and-justice reports, as evidenced by numerous articles and discussions.
- Amidst the ongoing investigations into the Spin City casino-and-gambling establishment, the role of David Hoppe in the illegal gambling games offered there, as well as the potential impact on Michigan's regulated commercial gaming and tribal casinos, is a significant point of discussion and concern for authorities such as the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
