Operation 'Pot of Gold': Police seize over 100 illegal gambling machines, 28 people charged

GASTON CO., NC - A cooperative task force comprised of numerous officers from state and local agencies in Gaston County conducted an enforcement operation Thursday, March 17.

The mission: targeting illegal gambling machines.

At the conclusion of the day, police said 48 locations in Gaston County were checked, resulting in the seizure of over 100 machines.

According to police, charges were issued against 28 people for violation of NC General Statute 14-306 which addresses the type of prohibited machines that were found. They said further investigation is expected to result in more charges.

Authorities said targeted locations were identified over several months of the investigation.

Anyone found playing the machines were provided with the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline phone number of 1-877-718-5543.

Police said the gambling machines will be held as evidence until issuance of a destruction order at the conclusion of court proceedings. All seized currency related to the illegal operations will eventually be awarded to the Gaston County School System.

For further information, contact Captain C.J. Rosselle at (704) 866-3397.