On occasion, the Board reviews portions of license applications protected from public disclosure, so the Board meets in Closed Session. Minutesof Closed Sessions are recorded, but are not available to the public. This is consistent with provisions of Michigan's Open Meetings Act.

How to Submit a Request

To submit a request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, please send it to:

Michigan Gaming Control Board
Attn: Mr. Dan Ostrom, FOIA Coordinator
3062 West Grand Blvd., L-700
Detroit, MI 48202-6062

Or

Fax to:

(313) 456-4213

Please be specific - We want to help you obtain the information you desire, but we need your help, too. Sometimes we receive an ambiguous request of, "I'd like a copy of everything in your files." Unfortunately, we must deny such general requests. In order to expedite your request, please tell us specifically what information you want, keeping in mind what information we are legally able to release.

Although it is not required, it would also be very helpful if you would number each element of your request so that we can respond accordingly, item by item.

Fee - FOIA permits government agencies to charge a reasonable fee to recover the cost of photocopies and/or the time needed to assemble the requested information. If a fee is charged, you will be so advised.

What Information is Available?... What is Protected?

MCL 432.201, Section 4c

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, all information, records, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other data supplied to or used by the board shall be subject to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246, except for the following:

(a) Unless presented during a public hearing, all the information, records, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other data supplied to, created by, or used by the board related to background investigation of applicants or licensees and to trade secrets, internal controls, and security measures of the licensees or applicants.

(b) All information, records, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other data supplied to or used by the board that have been received from another jurisdiction or local, state, or federal agency under a promise of confidentiality or if the release of the information is otherwise barred by the statutes, rules, or regulations of that jurisdiction or agency or by an intergovernmental agreement.

(c) All information provided in an application for license required under this act.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(a) or (c), the board shall, upon written request from any person, provide the following information concerning the applicant or licensee, his or her products, services or gambling enterprises, and his or her business holdings if the board has the information in its possession:

(a) The name, business address, and business telephone number.

(b) An identification of any applicant or licensee including, if an applicant or licensee is not an individual, its state of incorporation or registration, its corporate officers, and the identity of its shareholders. If an applicant or licensee has a registration statement or a pending registration statement filed with the securities and exchange commission, only the names of those persons or entities holding interest of 5% or more shall be provided.

(c) An identification of any business, including, if applicable, the state of incorporation or registration, in which an applicant or licensee or an applicant's or licensee's spouse, parent, or child has equity interest of more than 5%.

(d) Whether an applicant or licensee has been indicted, convicted, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, or forfeited bail concerning any criminal offense under the laws of any jurisdiction, either felony or misdemeanor, not including traffic violations, including the name and location of the court, the date, and disposition of the offense.

(e) Whether an applicant or licensee has had any license or certification issued by a licensing authority in Michigan or any other jurisdiction denied, restricted, suspended, revoked, or not renewed and, if known by the board, a statement describing the facts and circumstances concerning the denial, restriction, suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal, including the name of the licensing authority, the date each action was taken, and the reason for each action.

(f) Whether an applicant or licensee has ever filed, or had filed against it, a proceeding for bankruptcy or has ever been involved in any formal process to adjust, defer, suspend, or otherwise work out the payment of any debt, including the date of filing, the name and location of the court, the case, and number of the disposition.

(g) Whether an applicant or licensee has filed, or been served with, a complaint or other notice filed with any public body regarding the delinquent payment of any tax required under federal, state, or local law, including the amount of the tax, type of tax, the taxing agency, and time periods involved.

(h) A statement listing the names and titles of all public officials or officers of any city, state, or federal body, agency, or entity and relatives of the officials who, directly or indirectly, own any financial interest in, have any beneficial interest in, are the creditors of, or hold or have any other interest in, or any contractual or service relationship with, an applicant or licensee under this act.

(i) Whether an applicant or licensee or the spouse, parent, child, or spouse of a child of an applicant or licensee has made, directly or indirectly, any political contributions, or any loans, gifts, or other payments to any candidate as defined in section 7b or officeholder elected in this state, within 5 years prior to the date of filing the application, including the amount and the method of payment or to a committee established under the Michigan campaign finance act, 1976 PA 388, MCL 169.201 to 169.282.

(j) The name and business telephone number of any attorney, counsel, lobbyist agent as defined in section 5 of 1978 PA 472, MCL 4.415, or any other person representing an applicant or licensee in matters before the board.

(k) A summary of the applicant's development agreement with the city, including the applicant's proposed location, the square footage of any proposed casino, the type of additional facilities, restaurants, or hotels proposed by the applicant, the expected economic benefit to the city, anticipated or actual number of employees, any statement from the applicant regarding compliance with federal and state affirmative action guidelines, projected or actual admissions, and projected or actual adjusted gross receipts.

(l) A description of the product or service to be supplied by, or occupation to be engaged in by, a licensee.