Posted on: October 18, 2023, 03:57h. 

Last updated on: October 18, 2023, 03:57h.

In a recent development, Memphis, Tenn. police carried out successful raids resulting in the confiscation of over $1M in cash and the seizure of 268 slot-style machines. Notably, the Memphis Police Department also discovered illegal drugs and firearms during these operations.

Operation Casino Royale, launched in July 2022, was a special enforcement initiative consisting of 65 separate investigations. According to Memphis TV station WMC, two suspects have been arrested, 53 citations have been issued, and local rules have been violated 12 times.

It is worth noting that before the raids, these gambling machines had become a target of criminal activity, leaving many players robbed and assaulted.

The raids specifically targeted illicit gambling devices that were being used in corner stores and gas stations. Furthermore, these businesses were located in areas known for higher crime rates, as per the local police.

Legal Opinion

“Games of chance are illegal, but it is a somewhat complicated legal question,” stated the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office to Memphis TV station WHBQ.

It basically hinges on what is a game of chance and what is not. Some machines have settings designed to fit under the statute as a non-chance game. If the settings violate the statute, our office can pursue legal recourse.”

According to WHBQ, a vendor is seeking a change in the local prosecutor’s standard for determining illegal games.

11 Cars Stolen at Casino

Over the past three weeks, a total of eleven cars have been reported stolen from the parking garage of Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. One victim had a camera worth $700 inside their stolen vehicle, which is still missing, despite the car being recovered by the police.

WITI, a Wisconsin TV station, reported that most of the stolen cars were Kias or Hyundais, with many of them appearing to be rented vehicles.

Given the recent thefts, the West Canal Street gaming property has increased surveillance measures in the parking garage. Additionally, valuable items should not be left in vehicles, especially on car seats. Visitors are advised to lock their vehicles and consider using anti-theft systems or steering wheel locks, as car thefts can occur in less than a minute.

Thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles are again escalating throughout the country, and our parking lot is no different than any other street or parking structure in Milwaukee,” said Travis Gervais, senior security manager at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, to WITI.

Gervais further advised casino visitors to park their vehicles in well-lit areas with regular traffic.