There is currently a range of legal gambling options available to visitors and residents of Ohio. From slots, casino gambling and mobile and retail sports betting, the state offers robust options to people who enjoy gambling.
Regardless of the legal offering, the state continues to combat illegal gambling, both online and via illegal betting venues. In a recent operation against illegal gambling, the state’s gambling regulator, in collaboration with law enforcement, raided three businesses and seized nearly 200 slot machines.
Two People Arrested on Suspicion of Illegal Gambling
The operation was conducted by officers with the Columbus Police, who were joined by gaming agents with the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). A report released by the Columbus Dispatch suggests that OCCC agents and law enforcement officers executed search warrants at several businesses after complaints were filed about illegal gambling.
The offering of gambling services without a license, regardless if online or via a land-based venue is in violation of the state’s gambling regulations. As a result, raids were conducted at Blackjack Skill Game located at 4434 Crossroads Center, a business called 777 at the 4800 block of West Broad Street and Winners Arcade! on 3439 E. Broad St. in Columbus. The raids saw the seizure of a total of 184 slot machines. In addition, the OCCC and law enforcement agents seized cash but did not publicly disclose the sum.
The latest operation against illegal gambling saw two suspects arrested. It is unclear what charges, if any, the two are facing and whether or not they have been involved in the illegal gambling business. No information suggests that the three businesses collaborated. It is yet to be seen if further individuals may be arrested on suspicion of involvement in the illegal gambling businesses.
Operating a Gambling House Is a Serious Offense
Ohio’s laws recognize operating a gambling house as a misdemeanor of the first degree. That applies to cases where the person hasn’t been previously convicted of a gambling-related offense. However, if the person in question has a previous gambling-related conviction, they would be facing a felony in the fifth degree.
Operating a gambling house in Ohio as a first-degree misdemeanor and a first offense may be subject to up to six months of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000. Subsequent offenses as a fifth-degree felony can result in prison time of up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
