Pike County Sheriff’s deputies raided a Marathon gas station in Brundidge on Friday following an investigation into illegal gambling activities allegedly happening at the business.
According to Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas, evidence of illegal activities included scratch-off style lottery tickets being sold, electronic gambling games being promoted and coin pusher style machines being operated. One of the machines being operated allowed players to make bets, play illegal games on their cell phone via a downloaded application and then return to the store to collect any winnings from the machine.
“With this type of illegal activity and the large number of people who play these games, other crimes are also associated with illegal gambling,” Thomas said.
Investigators seized $25,000 in cash, 30 rolls of scratch-off lottery tickets, one electronic gambling hub device, two coin pusher-style machines, and various other gambling items and paraphernalia. Items seized will be subject to a civil forfeiture case. No arrests have been made.
“Let me be clear, it is against the law to promote gambling and to participate in gambling activities in Alabama. This is unregulated gambling, and in my experience these types of unregulated gambling activities lead to other illegal activities being conducted by people with nefarious intentions,” District Attorney James Tarbox said.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
