By: TJ Gill

Police officials in Chicago have reported they have seized 32 video poker machines and more than $5,000 in cash from 11 area bars. A sheriff’s raid was conducted last week after undercover officers played and actually received cash payouts on video poker machines deemed for “amusement only.”

The payouts of $20 to $50 may be small in nature, but Illinois statutes clearly say that while video poker machines are not illegal to have in bar establishment, it is against the law for payouts to occur on them. A spokesman for the Chicago Sheriff’s Department mentioned that “at least one employee of each bar” will face charges of misdemeanor gambling.

It’s interesting to note that many concerned local citizens actually tipped off police about what was going on in the bars, mentioning in reports that loved ones and spouses had been losing “entire paychecks” thanks to video poker.

The undercover sting began several months back in September, and subsequently led to the successful raid of each of the 11 bars that were involved. In addition to the misdemeanor charges that will be filed. It is unknown at this time if any of the bar owners will have to pay out any fines as well.


- 2007-12-12