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Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies held several raids on “fish arcades,” which is a form of illegal gambling across North Carolina, on Wednesday.
“Fish arcades” give cash payouts to customers playing on gaming machines involving chance.
They promote sweepstakes through entertaining displays, which violates North Carolina law, according to a statement from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
The raids targeted Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia and Matthews and totaled 800 charges, with 496 charges filed in Mecklenburg County, according to CMPD.
On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, CMPD detectives executed search warrants at two locations related to illegal gambling in Charlotte, the 4800 block of Albemarle Road and the 5000 block of Providence Road.
“These fish arcades and other illegal gambling locations are havens for criminal activity,” CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said. “Often the most vulnerable members of our communities are targeted to gamble at these locations.”
A total of 117 gambling stations, approximately $18,000 in cash and two firearms were seized during the raids, according to CMPD.
CMPD worked along with officers and agents from North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and other law enforcement agencies.
A 50-year-old was arrested on gambling warrants related to the investigation and a 38-year-old was arrested for providing unlicensed armed security.
The other targeted locations across North Carolina include:
- 888 Arcade Raleigh, 3407 S. Wilmington Streetm Raleigh.
- 888 Arcade Gastonia, 1375 Bessemer City Road, Gastonia.
- City Arcade, 9201 E. Independence Boulevard, Matthews.
- 2501 Wilmont Drive, Gastonia.
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