Multiple cease and desist orders were served on operators of e-gaming machines in Columbus yesterday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a press release that letters were served on “multiple” locations in the county. The specific addresses were not released.
“The Cease and Desist letters give the owners/operators of the illegal gaming machines the opportunity to voluntarily cease operations,” a press release from the sheriff’s office said. If the owners continue to operate the machines, the sheriff’s office could confiscate the machines and any funds associated with them.
E-gaming or sweepstakes machines allow users to buy internet time cards, which are then converted to credits on internet gambling sites. Payoffs are made in cash or merchandise.
The locations served on Thursday each had “one or more illegal video gaming machines,” the release said. Multiple locations were served on businesses with e-gaming machines in neighboring counties as well.
Rogers said the sheriff’s office and district attorney will continue to investigate and prosecute e-gaming businesses that are in violation of state law.
