STAFF REPORT :::
Several Griffin businesses were on Wednesday, May 1, raided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Commercial Gambling Unit.
Along with the Griffin Police Department and in cooperation with the Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Georgia Department of Revenue, four search warrants were executed for alleged violations of state gambling laws.
According to a press release issued by the GBI, the four businesses searched included the Super Speed Zone located at 678 North Expressway, Freeway Save More located at 361 North Expressway, Triple 8 Grocery located at 401 N. 9th St. and H & M Food Mart located at 627 W. Solomon St.
Authorities say during the course of a lengthy investigation, agents discovered businesses operating coin operated amusement machines (COAMS), where customers were allegedly receiving cash payouts for winning credits.
In Georgia, COAMS must be properly licensed by the Georgia Lottery and credits may only be redeemed for lottery tickets and/or store merchandise.
While searching the businesses, agents reportedly collected evidence related to alleged crimes of commercial gambling, and seized monetary assets gained from that use of gaming machines.
