North Carolina: authorities raid six casinos

The owners of the properties claim they were offering skills games rather than gambling.

US.- Authorities have raided six suspected illegal casinos in North Carolina and reportedly confiscated items including gaming machines, cash, weapons and drugs.

The six properties were 64 Skillz in Asheboro, Winners Circle Skilled Games in Archdale, 311 Biz Center in Archdale, Big Black Dog Entertainment in Randleman, Bonus Spins in Liberty, and Franklinville Business Center in Ramseur.

The operation was assisted the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), Liberty Police Department, and US Homeland Security Investigations.

The owners of the properties argued that they offer skills games, rather than gambling.

Police sheriff Gregory Seabolt said: “Customers were given cash payouts for credits won on the machines, and businesses were conducting or promoting sweepstakes through entertainment displays, which is illegal in North Carolina.

“A huge problem with these types of businesses is that they attract more crime into the area, such as assaults, rapes, and larcenies. My job as sheriff is to protect our citizens from crime and illegal activity, and I plan to do just that.”

Skill games are a highly contested topic, particularly in the state of Pennsylvania, where the Senate plans to discuss them on Tuesday.