Gambling Bust Amongst Biggest Ever In Georgia

Gambling News - March 9th, 2010 - Written By Glen

A total of twenty-nine businesses were hit in a recent gambling raid in Georgia. Over 150 law enforcement officials from eight different agencies spread across Toombs and Emanuel County to shut down illegal gambling enterprises.

These gambling dens had been operating illegal electronic poker machines. These machines would pay out cash to those who played for cash. The police were initially informed by private citizens, who were complaining about the terminals.

"A couple of calls were made to me from some families, saying my husband or wife's got an addiction problem with this gambling," stated Randy Ellison, the Swainsboro Police Chief, according to WRDW News 12.

Current Georgia gambling law has almost limited gambling to cruise ships sailing from port. Currently, even social gambling, such as a home poker game or a friendly wager on a sporting event, would be considered a misdemeanor within the state's boundaries. Despite this, USA Online Gambling is not expressly prohibited in the state of Georgia.

The March 8th raid had been in the works since 2009, when investigations had begun. Undercover law enforcement officers observed the illegal operations as they prepared for the raids that would ultimately seize the machines and close the businesses. This closure speaks only good things for the gas stations and convenience stores that have remained open, as they are likely to receive the additional business from those who would visit the other stores for the machines.