Owner of Arcade Shut for Illegal Gambling Wants Seized $142K Back

The owner of an arcade that was shut down for illegal gambling a few years ago in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is reportedly attempting to receive more than $140,000 seized by law enforcement. The peculiar case revolves around Golden Nugget Arcade, an arcade that was shuttered back in September 2022 after law enforcement conducted an extensive investigation.

The business was suspected of illegal gambling and investigated extensively before the raid. During the raid, police seized more than 50 illegal gambling machines, as well as $142,029 in cash, deemed as illegal proceeds from the activity.

Usually, funds seized from unlawful activities undergo civil forfeiture. This process allows the city’s general fund to gain access to the funds. However, in this particular case, the owner of the shuttered arcade reportedly seeks to receive the seized funds back through court.

As announced by the Palm Beach Post, the owner of Golden Nugget Arcade, Cynthia Patel, requested a court to order Palm Beach Gardens to return the seized sum of more than $142,000. According to the publication, the owner’s lawyer, Kelly B. Mathis, did not respond to requests for a discussion of his client’s request.

Former Arcade Owner, Manager Arrested, Sentenced

Strangely enough, the former owner of the gambling arcade, a Hollywood resident with the initials R.D., as well as the venue’s former manager, a Boynton Beach resident with the initials N.C., were arrested at the time the venue’s doors were closed by law enforcement.

The two pleaded guilty to operating a gambling house, unlawfully selling, possessing or manufacturing coin-operated gambling devices and money laundering. Subsequently, the owner and the manager were ordered to pay approximately $900 in court fees each. While the owner was sentenced to 14 days in prison, the manager received eight days in prison.

“While it is cash, it is contraband cash. It is proceeds from an illegal operation.“

R. Max Lohman, attorney for the city of Palm Beach Gardens

The city of Palm Beach Gardens’ attorney, R. Max Lohman, discussed the request of the owner of the arcade venue to receive the seized money back. He said that the money was obtained through unlawful activities, making it contraband cash.

Although the owner claims that the seized proceeds belong to the business, Lohman disagrees. He called the claim an “absurdity,” considering that the business was shut down due to illegal gambling.

Drawing a comparison to obtaining money through other unlawful activities such as drugs, the attorney said: “If you make money selling cocaine, you don’t get the cocaine or the money back.”

Still, the aforementioned request is expected to undergo a hearing before Circuit Judge Luis Delgado. The hearing is scheduled for August 23.