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Video Poker Machine Bust in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Revenue, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and local law enforcement authorities seized video poker machines in three southern Illinois counties last Thursday 27 May, after undercover agents identified eight establishments paying off on the machines. "The owners of these illegal machines are not paying tax on the money that they generate," said Revenue Director Brian Hamer on Thursday. "Today's action sends a strong message that we will not tolerate this activity."
"These actions are the beginning of a full effort by our office and other Illinois law enforcement to deter and ultimately help put an end to the flagrant disregard of Illinois gambling laws by some local businesses," Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said. "We intend to investigate and take appropriate action not only against local businesses that break our laws, but also against owners and distributors of video poker and slot machines which are being used illegally as gaming devices when they are only licensed and intended for amusement purposes."
Ten individuals have been arrested, 48 video poker machines were confiscated, and $3,800 in cash was seized in the operation. The Johnson and Hardin County Sheriff's Departments, the Elizabethtown Police Department, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and State Police assisted in the action. Acting on a complaint, undercover agents had previously observed workers at each of the establishments paying out cash winnings to patrons playing the video machines. Video poker machines are legal in Illinois for entertainment purposes only. Based on the investigation, the Illinois State Police obtained arrest warrants prior to the raids and Madigan's office will prosecute the cases.
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