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Illegal underground casino operation busted in Phoenix

Poker tables disappearing from casinos
Posted at 2:59 PM, Oct 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-18 21:12:00-04

PHOENIX — An illegal underground casino operation was busted in Phoenix recently, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming.

The ADG says their investigation into Tom’s Amusement, or Tom’s Warehouse, near 21st and Peoria avenues began in March of 2019.

After an undercover investigation, the ADG and Phoenix Police Department served search warrants at six separate locations in the Phoenix-area regarding the gambling operation.

Seven casino style video poker gaming devices, six ATM kiosks, eight internet cafe sweepstakes computers, and $7,000 in cash was seized during the searches.

Six individuals allegedly involved in the gambling operation were detained and interviewed. They were later released pending charges being filed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

"The Arizona Department of Gaming takes its duty to enforce the gambling laws in our state seriously," said Ted Vogt, ADG Director. "We appreciate our ongoing partnerships with the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in our efforts to stop illegal gambling and its associated crimes."

ADG says they will seek multiple charges that may include money laundering, illegal control of a criminal enterprise, promoting and benefiting from gambling, possession of gambling devices and records, sale of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.