Video Poker Ban Arrests Continue

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Video Poker Ban Arrests Continue

Special Report - August 6, 2007
Just days after federal agents arrested 12 people for illegally possessing and operating video poker machines in western North Carolina, law enforcement officials have uncovered another underground video gambling operation in Cumberland County. In conjunction with the State Bureau of Investigation and Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office seized 64 video poker machines and charged 35 individuals with misdemeanor violations during a bust late last week dubbed “Operation Empty Pockets.” Officials searched over 60 locations across the county and confiscated around $8,000 in cash.

The Cumberland County investigation follows on the heels of a similar sting conducted in the Asheville region. On August 2, a federal grand jury indicted 21 people for participating in a video gambling network that spanned 15 counties in western North Carolina. According to the indictment, Henderson Amusement, Inc., took in over $5 million over the last seven years in a “lucrative” gambling business that illegally paid out cash prizes to winners. Among other charges, the indictment accuses individuals involved with the operation of bribing law enforcement officers, tampering with witnesses, and obstructing justice.

The possession and operation of video gambling machines has been illegal in North Carolina since July 1, 2007, the end of a year-long phase out of the machines initiated by the General Assembly in June 2006. Prior to enactment of the ban, businesses could operate video poker machines only if non-cash prizes with a value not exceeding $10 were awarded.