Four Campbell Co. business raided for illegal gambling

Four Campbell Co. business raided for illegal gambling

April 20, 2005

By STEVE GEHLBACH
6 News Reporter

LAFOLLETTE (WATE) -- Charges are expected to come after a raid on four Campbell County businesses turned up almost two dozen illegal gambling machines.

No arrests have been made yet.

A TBI trailer holds the take of confiscated machines. The evidence looks like ancient Pac-Man machines but they're much riskier.

"It's a very common thing. A lot of people have them and a lot of money in it," says LaFollette Police Chief Ben Baird.

He says he doesn't know how much loot was seized or how much money changed hands. The games are mostly video poker games. You put in a quarter and play a hand of cards.

"As a result, they either win or lose and if they win and are paid off, it's illegal," Baird says.

The machines were taken from four LaFollette businesses in a mid-day raid almost two weeks ago. Those business include the Big Rock Tavern, Monkey's Game Room, Hickman's Tavern and Poor Boy Restaurant.

Some of the machines are illegal to possess. Many are disguised as common video machines, until they're activated by putting money in. Then, the screen changes to draw poker machines.

The investigation, being led by the TBI, took several months and is expected to end in charges.

LaFollette police say investigations into this case and all illegal gambling activities continue.

There's a possibility more machines could be investigated. Anyone with information about illegal gambling or drug activity is asked to call to call the LaFollette Police Department hotline at (423)-566-0488.