Crime & Safety

Georgia Convenience Stores Busted For Illegal Gambling

Video poker machines in Villa Rica were being used to give players cash payouts, the GBI says.

VILLA RICA, GA — Two convenience stores in Villa Rica were busted Thursday on charges that video poker machines were being used for illegal gambling.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation executed search warrants at a Chevron at 1217 Rockmart Rd. and a Shell station at 157 Commerce Dr. in Villa Rica.

The warrants were for violations of Georgia's commercial gambling laws, the GBI said in a news release.

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While searching the locations, agents collected evidence related to criminal gambling and seized money gained from the illegal use of the gaming machines.

Under Georgia law "coin operated amusement machines" may reward credits that can be redeemed for lottery tickets or store merchandise. The GBI says agents discovered players were, instead, receiving cash payouts for winning credits.

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Multiple arrests are pending, the GBI said Thursday.

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