North Carolina: Police Shuts Down Two Illegal Gambling Venues

An arcade shop manager in Charlotte, North Carolina, who was shot last week, may be facing charges related to illegal gambling after law enforcement found dozens of gambling machines on site. The crime dates back to last week and the surprising discovery was made a day after the shooting, which happened outside of the venue.

50 Illegal Gambling Machines Found and Seized

The shooting left the manager of the outlet, “The Arcade,” at 2501 West Boulevard, injured. After the shooting on March 4, officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) executed a search warrant at the premises. Law enforcement hoped to find footage of the shooting.

However, instead of CCTV footage, police uncovered dozens of illegal gambling machines, one firearm and a hefty sum of cash. Overall, police uncovered and seized 50 gambling machines, including fish table games, slots as well as kiosks used to redeem winnings, WCNC Charlotte reports. As noted, besides the illegal gambling machines, officers recovered one firearm. More than $9,000 in cash, stashed in a backpack, was also discovered and seized by law enforcement.

So far, it is unclear whether the arcade manager, identified with the initials I.D., is facing illegal gambling or gun-related charges. Per the media report, while the arcade manager is listed in the warrants, he is not recognized as a suspect. It remains unclear whether or not a dispute arose from the illegal gambling machines, or the shooting was an attempted robbery or other crime.

The possession of illegal gambling machines is punishable by law in North Carolina. Depending on the quantity and type of machines, a person may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Still, no information suggests that the manager of the arcade is facing illegal gambling charges.

Separate Operation Hits Another Illegal Gambling Venue

The latest police operation isn’t the only one by the CMPD against illegal gambling recently. At the end of last month, Freedom Division’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and CMPD’s ABC Unit joined forces for the shutdown of an illegal gambling operation on Hoskins Road.

Executing a search warrant, officers uncovered and seized four illegal gambling machines, one kiosk for payment redemption, as well as one kiosk used for redeeming and depositing funds for online gambling games. In addition, police found and seized $13,000 in cash.

The operation saw two individuals, who at the time of the raid were using the machines, charged with misdemeanor. Anyone who has information regarding the illegal gambling business is encouraged to contact CMPD’s ABC Unit or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. The investigation is currently ongoing, CMPD confirmed last week.