A Michigan resident has filed a lawsuit against two prominent casino operators, accusing them of violating state gaming laws by sending prohibited promotional emails. Shalesh Beri, the plaintiff, lodged the complaint on November 14, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The defendants named in the case are BetMGM, LLC doing business as Roar Digital and MGM Grand Detroit, LLC.
The case centers around allegations that the defendants sent gambling promotional emails to Beri throughout 2025 despite his inclusion on Michigan’s Disassociated Persons List (DPL) and Responsible Gaming Database (RGD). These lists are designed to protect individuals who have voluntarily excluded themselves from receiving gambling-related communications. According to Beri, he added himself to these lists on December 4, 2024. Under Michigan law, specifically MCL 432.225(9), casino licensees are prohibited from sending marketing materials to individuals on these exclusion lists.
Beri claims that from January through September 2025, he received multiple promotional emails branded with MGM Grand Detroit logos and references to “BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Grand Detroit.” This branding indicates a joint operational control between BetMGM and MGM Grand Detroit. Despite contacting the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) about these violations in March 2025, Beri alleges that BetMGM falsely claimed he was not on their marketing list and continued to send emails for several months thereafter.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence, invasion of privacy, fraud, and gross negligence due to their failure to adhere to responsible gaming regulations. Beri argues that this conduct caused him emotional distress and disrupted his recovery efforts from problem gambling. He is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $500,000 along with punitive damages and statutory relief. Additionally, Beri requests injunctive relief to prevent future solicitations.
Beri is representing himself in this legal action without an attorney. The case is being overseen by Judge Brandy R. McMillion with referral Judge Kimberly G. Altman assisting. The court has jurisdiction based on diversity since the parties are citizens of different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $500,000.
Source: 225cv13647_Shalesh_Beri_v_Betmgm_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan..pdf
