Business & Tech

Video Gambling Sweepstakes Parlors Raided

Cumberland County authorities serious about cracking down on sweepstakes businesses.

In December the N.C. Supreme Court declared Internet-based sweepstakes parlors illegal.

While many have closed up shop on their own accord, three others still in operation were raided Tuesday afternoon by deputies issuing citations to the players inside the establishment, removing equipment and arresting the owner and employees.

Criminal penalties for further operating these ventures will be classified as a Class 4 misdemeanor.

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"We have done everything we could to make sure we're doing the right thing," said Sheriff "Moose" Butler. "We're not trying to harass anybody. The message has been out there."

Inside the dark walled S.T.A.R. Gaming parlor on Pamalee Drive, the monitors lining the walls with brightly blinking lights and pinging sounds were nearly empty.

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An employee of S.T.A.R. Gaming on Pamalee Drive told Patch he thought there were an estimated 68 gaming locations in Fayetteville in recent months, justifying their existence by changing the software platforms that display the wins or losses after customers pay.

After cashing out five customers inside when Patch arrived, the manager on duty locked the doors and stood outside telling customers as they drove up that their doors were closing.

"This is my place, I come here frequently", said Fayetteville resident Jeannette Martin. "I have good luck sometimes winning $40."

In Hope Mills authorities raided three of the Little Vegas Sweepstakes City establishments, tagging equipment and rolling away some of the already outlawed video poker and keno machines.


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