Bebida Beverage Company (BBDA)

[UncleRuckus]

Deputies bust illegal Statesville gambling operation


As many as four arrests are likely this week after authorities executed a search warrant Tuesday at a Statesville business suspected of violating state gambling laws, Sheriff Darren Campbell said.


Players Promo Games at 2342 Newton Drive west of Statesville was the focus of a three-month undercover investigation into allegations of illegal sweepstakes.


Campbell said an undercover deputy observed multiple gambling machines at the location during the investigation. Investigators then delivered a letter notifying the business of violation of state statutes, Campbell said. The letter explained that criminal charges could result if the business did not cease its gambling operations.






Weeks later, undercover officers continued to receive payments for playing gambling games at the location, Campbell said, and the search warrant was served. During the search deputies recovered computers, electronic tablets, cash and ledgers showing monies having been paid out.


“Many times these types of clandestine sweepstakes businesses attract other criminal behavior to the communities they are operating in,” Campbell said.


The investigation is ongoing and multiple charges or indictments are anticipated, the sheriff said.