Campaign finance disclosures suggest controversial casino syndicator employed by Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

A review of records on file with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) indicate that Detroit casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr. reports he was employed by Ilitch Holdings, Inc. despite repeated attempts by spokespersons to create the impression of an arms length distance between the often controversial Malik and the parent company of such household brands as Little Caesars Pizza, the Detroit Tigers baseball team and the Detroit Red Wings hockey franchise.

During the 2004 campaign season, official political finance reports were filed with the FEC indicating that Malik made contributions totaling $24,100 to sixteen different political committees; each reporting his employer as Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

Ilitch Holdings, Inc. is a privately held company controlled by members of the Ilitch Family. Patriarch Mike Ilitch is the chair of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and his wife Marian Ilitch is reported as vice chair.

As the owner of MLB’s Detroit franchise, Mike Ilitch is prohibited from sharing any interest in gaming related ventures. But Marian Ilitch is sole owner of Detroit’s MotorCity Casino.

Marian Ilitch and Malik were original partners in MotorCity Casino; however, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) wouldn’t grant Malik a gaming license and he was forced to divest his interests before the gambling hall could open its doors. Since then, Malik’s various business affiliates have headquartered out of the executive offices at Ilitch Holdings, Inc.