Massachusetts Cracks Down on Illegal Video Slots

The Massachusetts State Police investigation into illegal gambling has lead to the suspension of multiple lottery licenses.  The state Lottery Commission suspended the license of four area establishments after State Police discovered and took into custody several video slot machines. 

“We take this seriously,” declared Beth A. Bresnahan, director of communications for the state Lottery Commission.  According to Bresnahan, the Lottery Commission issued the suspensions yesterday. 

The reports from Massachusetts State Police record some 38 video slot machines found in bars, markets, and restaurants of Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee.  The sum monetary content of the video slot machines added up to $10,000.  Few machines were empty. 

The protest used by business owners is that the slot machines were strictly for amusement purposes.  However, according, to Sgt. Michael Imelio of the state police, many of the machines were corrupted to make payouts based on scores.  This is considered illegal gambling.

No parties have been charged in connection with the video slot machines.  Investigators fully intend on going through Hampden County District Attorney William M. Bennett to pursue criminal prosecution.  In the meantime, Sgt. Imelio says the investigations will proceed.

Chicopee and Springfield were the original cities slated for the illegal slot machine investigation, but the investigation may broaden.  “We had not targeted Holyoke as a city until this past week,” explained Imelio.

The Moose Family Center in Chicopee, the Ale House in Springfield, JP’s Restaurant and the Sandcastle Lounge, both in Holyoke have all had their lottery license suspended due to their possession of illegal slot machines.  Sixteen search warrants were executed last week. 

Sgt. Imelio is determined, “We know there’s a lot out there, we just want to try and level the playing field.”

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