North Carolina Authorities Seize $2M, Video Poker Machines
North Carolina state agents said November 16 that a raid aimed at bringing down an illegal video poker operations focused on two businessmen led to the confiscation of $2 million and more than 50 video poker machines.
Alcohol Law Enforcement agents stormed the businessmen's homes and gathered the evidence after an investigation that stretched for a year and a half.
Authorities have not released any names yet, and say that they have yet to issue the charges against those involved.
21 businesses were raided by agents around Buncombe County.
According to western district supervisor Ron Kaylor, public complaints helped them bust the illegal gambling operation involving video poker.
"Mainly, complaints (came) from the public, especially people who had family members that were putting hundreds of dollars into video poker machines and losing it," Kaylor said.
The state of North Carolina is phasing out video poker, and is in its first phase of doing so. Beginning October 1, only two machines per establishment are allowed. By July of 2007, video poker will be completely banned.
Cash payout are illegal in the state, however, prizes not exceeding $10 may be given out.
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