Abigail Margulis

amargulis@citizen-times.com

Special Alcohol Law Enforcement agents removed several illegal gaming machines after raiding 12 convenience stores in Henderson County and three convenience stores in both Haywood and Jackson counties Thursday.

The ALE agency's raid was part of a statewide undercover operation in hopes of cracking down on illegal gambling use.

The ALE's undercover operation called “Cannonball” executed search warrants for 115 businesses Thursday, said SBI spokesman Shannon O’Toole. ALE agents and local officers removed more than 350 illegal gaming machines, cocaine and more than a million dollars in cash.

No arrests were made Thursday since the operation was a “huge” undertaking, but authorities expect arrests to be made in the future as the investigation continues, O’Toole said.

An investigation into illegal gaming was launched in July 2015 after receiving complaints from the public.

“These establishments bring secondary crimes into the area,” O’Toole said. “It makes citizens feel uncomfortable.”

He mentioned that convenience stores can be common sites of armed robberies or drug deals.

In Western North Carolina, stores were raided in Fletcher, Hendersonville, East Flat Rock, Waynesville, Canton and Sylva.

Over the course of about 10 months, undercover agents used illegal gaming machines at each location that was raided. They also observed patrons using the machines and talked to other sources that provided information.

“You have people who camp out at these machines,” O’Toole said.

Across the state, it’s an “underlying issue,” O'Toole added.

“We were thanked by members of the community who have family members who aren’t real smart with their money and gamble it away,” O’Toole said.

In Moore County, the sheriff's office received a complaint where someone's spouse spent their entire paycheck on playing these types of devices and couldn't provide for their family because of their addiction, he added.

Across the state complaints piled up about illegal gaming and video gaming, said ALE Branch Head Mark Senter.

“The raids (Thursday) were a wake-up call to businesses that provide illegal video gaming,” he said.

Investigators also discovered that winnings made at the establishments were being paid out in cash to patrons placing bets on the electronic gaming machines.

Following the raid, ALE agents planned to submit violation reports to the North Carolina ABC Commission and Educational Lottery.

According to state law, gambling and illegal video gaming machines are prohibited and not allowed in locations holding ABC permits, said N.C. ABC Chairman Jim Gardner. Any permitted business found in violation could be fined or have their permits suspended.

The raids were a part of the ALE’s Community Betterment initiative, which aims to increase the quality of life for all who live in or visit North Carolina.

Locations raided in WNC: