Douglas County Sheriff's investigators carried out raids Wednesday afternoon, hauling away video gaming and poker machines they say were being used illegally, Channel 2 Action News reports.
The machines are now being held as evidence in a commercial gambling investigation. There’s supposed to be no payout if a player wins, but that’s not how things worked at some Douglas businesses, authorities say.
One undercover investigator found that “on three different occasions at a minimum, each time he was paid cash – which is against Georgia law,” Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller told Channel 2.
Starting about 2 p.m., deputies served warrants at eight gas station/food marts simultaneously – four Shells, two Citgos and two Marathons – with Lithia Springs, Douglasville and Austell addresses.
Investigators say they were tipped off to illegal activity by complaints.
“They’re coming in from spouses that are saying, ‘Hey, my husband or my wife went to these stores and lost all of our money and we can’t pay the rent or buy groceries for our children,' "Miller said.
Once the machines were removed, the businesses were allowed to reopen. Investigators now are seeking to identify the owners.
“I’m sure there are others” engaged in illegal gambling, Miller said. “I hope this sends a message to folks that own these stores, you can't have a casino in Douglas County, and you can't pay cash.”
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