Police Seize 200 Video Gambling Devices 390000 In Pennsylvania Raids

WESTMORELAND and FAYETTE COUNTIES, PA -- Officers from the Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement and Bureau of Criminal Investigations served search warrants on 39 liquor-licensed establishments here, confiscating illegal gambling machines and cash. Part of a nine-month investigation, the seizure in early August netted 178 video gambling devices and $389,214.

According to sources, every seized machine was designed and operated in such a fashion as to render it illegal in any venue in North America. The equipment's design characteristics made them unlawful to operate even in jurisdictions and venues in which video gambling is permitted by statute and license, officials observed.

Search warrants were also served at warehouse locations belonging to Zucco Vending (Scottsdale, PA).

No arrests have been made to date, but police said they are continuing to investigate. Arrest warrants could be issued for individuals suspected of participating in the illegal gambling enterprise.

Throughout the investigation, authorities said they received numerous complaints and phone calls from citizens regarding the illegal video gambling. Authorities credit those complaints with providing the information required to initiate and further the investigation.