Fake Bills Reportedly Used During Charity Poker Event In Macomb County

SHELBY TOWNSHIP (WWJ/AP) - State officials are investigating a report of counterfeit currency passed at a Detroit-area charity gambling event.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is investigating the case, after the discovery of nine bogus $20 bills that were used to buy chips at a "millionaire party" charity poker room.

Mary Kay Bean with the Gaming Control Board describes how the fake bills were found.

"This is a charity poker event and we are responsible for regulating charity poker events, so the organization reported this to us when they were doing reporting after the event," said Bean.

She says there are things people should look for to help detect counterfeit money.

"Look at the printing quality and the paper characteristics - checking for water-marks, looking for fake corners and some of the things that could be triggers that the bill is not a real U.S. bank note."

Workers discovered the bills were counterfeit while paying out a tournament cash prize. They have since been turned over to police - who are continuing their investigation.

Officials say the event was organized by a western Michigan children's summer camp.

So-called "millionaire parties" are casino-style events where nonprofits split cash proceeds with poker rooms that provide the space, dealers, poker chips and playing cards along with food and drinks.

 
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