Deputies raid Rowan County arcade over gambling violations

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Deputies raid Rowan County arcade over gambling violations
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SALISBURY, N.C. — Deputies raided a Rowan County arcade Thursday over gambling violations.

According to deputies, the FishZilla Arcade on East Innes Street in Salisbury was operating under the guise that it was a legal arcade, when in actuality it was an illegal gambling operation.

Investigators said the business had 85 playing stations, including table models, stand-ups and “fish tables.”  These machines, all slot machines under North Carolina Law, violate state statutes, according to deputies.

Deputies said the devices allowed patrons to bet more than 8 credits per play and the arcade was paying cash for credits earned. Possession of five or more machines makes the charge a felony.

The RCSO said it will seek charges against one manager and two cashiers, who operated the arcade.

Deputies seized documents related to the gambling operation, monitors, CPU’s, television screens, office equipment, a money counter and almost $18,500 in cash.

The business was previously raided by the RCSO on Apr. 1, 2020, for similar illegal activities. Deputies said they have received complaints from other tenants at the strip mall where the business is located, and even from other illegal gambling operators.

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