Ohio Regulators Shut Down 3 Allegedly Illegal Gambling Halls

OCCC Executive Director Matt Schuler has had enough with illegal game rooms in Ohio. (Image: Al Behrman/Associated Press/Alamy)

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) served search warrants and seized equipment at three alleged illegal gambling facilities on Wednesday after receiving complaints that the businesses were violating Ohio gaming law.

The three facilities included Grand Luck Gaming in St. Marys, Lucky 7 in Wapakoneta, and Moon City Gaming, also in Wapakoneta. 

Arrests Could Follow in Ongoing Investigation

No arrests were made as a part of the operation, and officials say the investigation is still ongoing. However, the OCCC said it seized gaming equipment, cash, and documentation during its searches. 

“Illegal casinos operate without proper oversight and prey upon vulnerable Ohioans,” Ohio Casino Control Commission Executive Director Matthew Schuler said in a statement. “We appreciate the assistance of our local law enforcement partners in holding accountable those who disregard Ohio’s gambling laws.” 

Officials in St. Marys said that they had been looking at Grand Luck Gaming for some time before the warrants were served. 

“Gaming operations such as Grand Luck do not follow any of the state’s regulations,” St. Marys Mayor Joe Hurlburt told The Evening Leader. “This particular facility has been under surveillance for the past several months, and with the evidence collected, it was time to shut them down.”

Many of these slot-like parlors have operated somewhat out in the open for years, sometimes relying on legal loopholes related to “sweepstakes” and “skill-based” games to circumvent any authoritative crackdown. And others just offered illegal slots.

Unregulated Operations Lead to More Crimes, Police Chief Says

St. Marys Chief of Police Jake Sutton said the illegal operation was paying out cash prizes, which not only violated state law but also led to secondary criminal issues. 

“We’ve had crime here and in neighboring jurisdictions, including violent crimes, robberies and thefts associated with these businesses,” Sutton told reporters. “Just yesterday, we had someone who was convicted of stealing close to $25,000 from here.”

Sutton said that he expects charges to be filed against individuals in the future. 

Ohio is home to four regulated land-based casinos. Those include Hollywood Casinos in Columbus and Toledo, a Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati, and Jack Cleveland Casino in Cleveland. In addition, there are seven racinos located at racetracks throughout the state, each of which can offer video lottery terminals similar to slot machines but no table games or other gambling options.

Fantasy sports, sports betting, and skill-based amusement games – those that offer non-cash prizes – are also regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

St. Marys is located in Auglaize County in western Ohio, and has a population of 8,397 residents as of the 2020 census. According to Mayor Hurlburt, the community isn’t opposed to gambling operations appearing in St. Marys, provided operators go through proper channels.

“If someone wants to start a gaming facility in St. Marys and they want to do it right and follow the Gaming Commission’s regulations, we’re okay with that,” Hurlburt said.