Across West Michigan in recent days, casino-style machines that are popular fixtures in bars, American Legion halls and many other venues have been quietly hauled away.
State gaming officials last month sent out letters telling venues that sport the machines they have to go. They violate Michigan gaming laws, officials contend.
That is not an opinion necessarily shared by legions of players and those who own and maintain the machines.
“They’ve taken it upon themselves to try to shut us down,” said Todd Barcheski, who arrived at the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club in Grand Rapids recently to haul out the popular machines.
