Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) agents seized illegal gambling devices at over 40 locations across the Phoenix Metropolitan area last weekend. For months, undercover ADG agents visited locations and gathered evidence suggesting possible violations of various state gambling statutes including: the promotion of gambling, benefitting from gambling and conducting a criminal enterprise.
Earlier this year, ADG’s Intelligence Unit received information from the California Department of Justice regarding a criminal enterprise in California that it believed might be moving to Arizona. The organization was suspected of distributing illegal gambling devices targeting various “mom and pop” convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The gaming devices allowed patrons to deposit money, play various casino-style games and win credits that could be redeemed for cash.
On September 8, 2012, with the assistance of the Phoenix Field Office of the FBI and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, ADG served warrants on 45 local businesses and one storage locker. Agents seized 54 eight-line gambling devices and five coin pusher machines, all containing cash.
“Keeping unlawful gambling out of our neighborhoods is a high priority,” said Mark Brnovich, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Organizations promoting illegal gambling will quickly discover that they are not welcome in our state”.
No arrests have yet been made as the investigation is still on-going.
The public is urged to report suspected illegal gambling, by contacting the ADG at 602-255-3888.