Investigation reveals violation of state commercial gambling laws at two convenience stores

PRESS RELEASE

Law enforcement agencies say that an investigation involving two local convenience stores over the illegal use of gaming machines has been classified as ongoing.On Thursday, Sept. 16, 2014, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Commercial Gambling Unit, along with the Cedartown Police Department and the Polk County Police Department, and in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation executed two search warrants at two Cedartown convenience stores for violations of Georgia’s commercial gambling laws.

While searching the Chevron Food Mart at 554 N. Main Street and Chapman’s Shopette, 1450 Buchanan Hwy., agents collected evidence related to crimes of commercial gambling and seized monetary assets gained from the illegal use of gaming machines.

The businesses are currently licensed to operate Coin Operated Amusement Machines. However, during the course of the investigation, agents discovered customers were receiving cash payouts for winning credits.

In Georgia, credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store merchandise.

According to Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome and Polk County Police Chief Kenny Dodd, no arrests have been made.

In a joint statement issued by the chiefs this afternoon, they say that both the Cedartown Police Department and the Polk County Police Department will continue to work together with the GBI and the Georgia Lottery Corporation to ensure that these stores are operating within the legal requirements of state law.