BELLAIRE — D-J bingo has been canceled across much of Northern Michigan due to state allegations of illegal gambling.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission is arguing that D-J bingo meets the criteria for illegal gambling because it gives a prize for a game of chance, and it brings patrons into an establishment they normally wouldn’t go to.

For regulated bingo games, the state of Michigan normally requires a special bingo license that is given to non-profits.

But when a similar case was taken to court in 2021, the state dismissed the charges because an investigation found they couldn’t prove that people were coming just for the free bingo games. Furthermore, coupons for food and beer did not meet the requirements of a prize.

But now, the state is trying again.

However, a Bellaire

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