Alabama: Illegal Gambling in Gadsden Faces Crackdown

Despite efforts of law enforcement, gambling regulators and government agencies, illegal gambling operators continue to offer their services across the United States. With some states having harsher punishments than others, illegal gambling is recognized as a crime across the country and people found guilty of operating such an establishment are subject to prosecution.

In one operation against illegal gambling, law enforcement in Gadsden, Alabama, seized nearly 100 devices, raiding several locations. As announced by WBRC, “Operation Jackpot” saw the Gadsden Police Street Crime Unit conduct an extensive investigation across the city.

The investigation stemmed from reports by concerned citizens about unlawful gambling. Moreover, the police probe and subsequent raids were part of Mayor Craig Ford’s efforts to improve and revitalize the city. The raids were completed on Tuesday at different locations where law enforcement executed search warrants.

During Operation Jackpot, the Gadsden Police Street Crime Unit seized $20,000 in cash. At the same time, 88 illegal gambling devices were uncovered and seized. Undoubtedly, the actions of law enforcement significantly reduced the presence of illegal venues across Gadsden.

The Fight Against Illegal Gambling in Gadsden Continues

Several years ago, another large-scale operation against illegal gambling took place in the city. At the time, law enforcement seized 108 illegal gambling machines along with $13,500 in cash.

Sgt. Jacob Entrekin from the Gadsden Police Street Crime Unit, who participated in the latest raids, spoke about the dangers of illegal gambling establishments. He said that such venues generate non-taxable income which is against the law.

Entrekin acknowledged that there may be illegal gambling venues that are still outstanding in Gadsden. However, he said that law enforcement will continue to combat the unlawful activity and is prepared to take down any illegal gambling business. “Go ahead and pack up, take your stuff somewhere else because it’s not welcomed here. If you continue to stay in our town we will be coming to pay you a visit,” said Sgt. Entrekin.

Usually, illegal gambling is tied to other criminal activities, including theft, drug distribution, as well as assaults. To make matters worse, as noted, illegal gambling activities benefit only the people who operate the establishments.

Visitors to such venues are not protected by the law in any way, which means that they may be denied large prizes or the machines available might not even offer fair odds. In contrast, the legal gambling sector complies with rules established in each state, requiring fair and minimum payouts, as well as options for the exclusion of vulnerable individuals. The legal gambling industry also benefits different state programs and generates vital tax revenue.