Oklahoma raid could bring gambling charges
29 October 2008OKLAHOMA -- As reported by The Oklahoman: " Undercover state agents descended on six metro bars and restaurants simultaneously Tuesday to execute warrants in a search for illegal gaming machines.
"State Horse Racing Commission investigators choreographed the raids in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, culminating a two-month investigation that targeted businesses licensed or applying for a license to conduct off-track wagering. More than 50 casino-style electronic games were confiscated during the sting, including 31 machines at Rockafella's Pools & Games on S Meridian in Oklahoma City.
"Computers, machine cards and bags of cash also were seized. No arrests were made in connection with the machines, but agents said the businesses' owners would ultimately be the subject of any criminal complaints.
"'These are all-cash businesses,' said Constantin Rieger, the agency's executive director. 'They pay no state tax; no funds are going into an education fund; and we believe they take away from the horse racing tracks. We're just looking out for the state's interest.'..."