Illegal Gambling Operations Raided in Four States as Part of Continuing Crackdown

Posted on: March 25, 2024, 09:04h. 

Last updated on: March 25, 2024, 11:00h.

Ed Silverstein Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A series of raids on illegal gaming operations across the country has seen several people arrested over the past month.

City of Flint Municipal Center
The City of Flint Municipal Center, pictured above. A local business was raided recently by Michigan authorities for alleged gambling. (Image: MLive.com)

In Flint, Mich., two men were charged earlier this month with running a gambling operation without a license, two counts of using computers to commit a crime, and a count of maintaining a gambling house for gain.

The suspects, Linos Antonio Kas-Mikha, 52, of Grand Blanc, Mich., and Robert Jamerson, 55, of Saginaw, Mich. were arrested last month after authorities raided a storefront business where the two reportedly operated 11 slot machines. Authorities also found 13 computers, which were used to operate the games.

Other properties linked to the men have been raided previously by authorities as part of investigations into illegal gambling.

Holding those who choose to break the law and run alleged illegal gambling operations accountable for their actions is paramount to ensuring the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods,” Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams recently said in a statement following the latest raid.

“By enforcing strict regulations and prosecuting offenders, we strive to maintain a gaming environment that is not only enjoyable, but also adheres to the principles of fairness, legality, and community safety.”

$30K Seized in California

Across the country in Modesto, California, authorities raided an illegal gambling operation last week.

The court-ordered search led to the seizure of more than $30K in cash and 17 gambling machines. Two unnamed men were charged.

The raid was linked to the investigation of illegal gambling at a convenience store and at other local businesses, as well as at a Modesto residence.

Ohio Gambling Den

In another case, an internet cafe in Dayton, Ohio was raided earlier this month for alleged illegal gambling.

Local police searched Lucky Day Internet Cafe following an undercover operation there, according to Ohio TV station WHIO.

Police seized several gambling machines and an unspecified amount of cash from the business. Criminal charges are likely.

$31K Seized, Arrests in Texas

In a separate raid in Corpus Christi, Texas, last month, authorities seized about $31K in cash from an illegal gambling operation at the El Patron Sweepstakes Gameroom, according to Texas TV station KRIS.

Police also seized 90 items associated with gambling.

Andria Thompson, 34, was charged with gambling promotion, possession of a gambling device, keeping a gambling place, and engaging in organized criminal activity. Twenty-three people identified as customers of the operation were issued citations.