Jacksonville Police Bust Three Illegal Gambling Operations

Gambling

Jacksonville Police reportedly busted three illegal gambling operations.

In a statement issued Monday, the police department said,

On December 9th, 2024, the Jacksonville Police Department executed two search warrants on two local businesses for gaming machine violations, and charged a third owner of another business for related gaming violations. Officers seized over $13,000.00, drugs, and firearms.

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MAX’S CONVENIENCE STORE / PHILLIPS 66

713 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076

Detectives seized $9,288.23 in cash along with other evidence related to gaming violations. The owner, Venkata Melapu, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

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JACKSONVILLE STOP AND SHOP

1116 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076

Detectives seized 3 gaming devices, $4,098.14 in cash, 2 firearms, and approximately 2 ounces of marijuana from the business. The owner, Ahmed Ali, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms

• 1 Felony count of Use of Another Person’s Property to Facilitate Certain Crimes

• 1 Felony count of Possession with Purpose to Deliver, Schedule VI

• 1 Felony count of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

• Penalty enhancement for Proximity of a Certain Facility within 1000 feet of a Church or Daycare

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AJ MART – 2 LOCATIONS

1521 SOUTH FIRST STREET AND 3701 NORTH FIRST STREET

Detectives obtained search warrants for both locations, however, during their investigation they determined that the gaming machines had been moved prior to execution of the search warrants. Jagjit Singh, the owner of the business, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

With the exception of the state lottery and the casinos in Hot Springs, West Memphis, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas law generally prohibits gambling.

This isn’t the first time illegal gambling machines have cropped up in Arkansas.

In 2017 authorities in Jefferson County reportedly raided illegal gambling houses in Pine Bluff.

In 2019, law enforcement raided illegal gambling operations at several gas stations and businesses in Jacksonville.

Illegal gambling machines often are placed in gas stations, liquor stores, or old store fronts. Some look and operate a lot like slot machines while others appear more like arcade games that let players gamble for money or prizes.

Gambling is a blight on the community. It is linked to bankruptcy, divorce, substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide.

If you suspect an illegal gambling house is operating in your community, please notify your local authorities. Then call us at (501) 375-7000.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Bill Filed Letting Colleges, Universities Offer Raffles During Sporting Events

Gambling,

A bill filed at the Arkansas Capitol on Thursday would authorize colleges and universities in Arkansas to offer raffles during sporting events.

Currently, Arkansas’ Charitable Bingo and Raffles laws let non-profit charities conduct bingo and sell raffle tickets as part of their fundraising efforts. State reports indicate the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration issued 719 bingo and raffle licenses to charities last fiscal year.

H.B. 1044 by Rep. R. J. Hawk (R — Bryant) and Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R — Little Rock), the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act, would let colleges and universities conduct raffles in-person or online during sporting events. Schools would be able to sell raffle tickets themselves or use a nonprofit charity affiliated with the school conduct the raffle. The bill contains a provision preventing casinos from operating or administering a raffle on a school’s behalf.

Schools could use raffle proceeds to benefit school athletic programs — including purchasing and maintaining athletic facilities or providing financial aid, scholarships, stipends, and other compensation to student-athletes.

Family Council is currently neutral regarding H.B. 1044. Family Council has never opposed charitable bingo or charitable raffles that benefit nonprofit groups as long as the charities themselves were the ones who administered the raffle. H.B. 1044 addresses that concern by making it clear that casinos cannot conduct raffles. We plan to continue monitoring and reporting on this bill.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Experts Call for Action to Address Problem Gambling

Gambling, ,

Public health experts are calling for more action to address problem gambling.

Last week the Lancet Public Health Commission published a report highlighting concerns over gambling’s impact on public health and calling for “stronger policy and regulatory controls” to protect individuals, and families.

The report notes, “Gambling can inflict substantial harm on individuals, families, and communities. Beyond the obvious danger of financial losses and financial ruin, these harms can include loss of employment, broken relationships, health effects, and crime-related impacts. Gambling can heighten the risk of suicidality and domestic violence.”

The public health commission’s report calls attention to the gambling industry’s “strong partnerships” with media and sports, which helps make gambling look like harmless entertainment while downplaying its risks.

The report urges governments and other organizations to protect people by enacting stricter regulations on advertising, mandating clearer information on risks associated with gambling, and establishing better support for those harmed by gambling.

Gambling has expanded drastically in the past few years — especially online and in the form of sports betting. It has become more accessible, and millions of people are now at risk of suffering as a result.

For families and communities, especially in places like Arkansas, this public health report is particularly timely. The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council has seen a 22% increase in calls for help with problem gambling this year — a spike largely driven by sports betting. In spite of these problems, Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff has been pushing for a rule change that would likely make things worse by allowing casino-style gambling statewide on any smart phone or mobile device.

As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, the Lancet report is a reminder of just how important it is for our laws to protect children and families.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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